Protecting your identity
According to figures published by the Home Office in 2006, the cost of identity fraud in the UK is currently running at £1.7 billion a year and 25% of the population has apparently already suffered from it, or knows someone who has. Identity theft can also be distressing or emotional, because it takes away your control over your own affairs and can damage your reputation. However, by taking a few sensible precautions and managing your personal information carefully, you can substantially reduce the likelihood of falling victim to this rising crime.
Stay safe on line
- Be aware of others close by who may try to take note of your access information.
- Never leave the PC unattended when you are logged onto to your accounts.
- Do not choose or change your security information on a PC in a public place.
- Always exit the system correctly by using the 'Log Off' link at the top left of the screen.
- Consider purchasing personal firewall software to protect against unauthorised remote access to information held on your PC.
- Consider purchasing anti-virus software and make regular updates to that software, to protect your PC from virus attacks.
- Never open e-mail messages received from an unknown source as they may contain a virus.
There's safety in numbers
- Try not to use pass or PIN numbers that could easily be guessed by a fraudster, for example your year of birth.
- Do not disclose PIN numbers, Internet login details or passwords in response to unsolicited e-mails claiming to be from your bank or the police.
- The Co-operative Bank/smile will only ever ask you for two digits of your security pass number over the telephone. The only time you should divulge your 4-digit pass number is when logging onto view your account over the Internet.
- Never write down your password, Internet login details or PIN number.
- Change your security information immediately if you suspect that anyone else may have gained access to them.
Don't leave a paper trail
- Shred or discard securely any personal information, including bank statements, credit card receipts and utility bills.
- Look at your bank and credit card statements regularly and report any transactions you do not recognise immediately to your bank.
- If you move, make sure your post is redirected to your new address as soon as possible.
There's value in information
- Always keep your card in your possession and never let it out of your sight.
- When using a cash machine or using your card in a shop, beware of anyone trying to watch you enter your PIN.
- Only deal with reputable companies when using your card for purchases over the phone or through the Internet.
- Check your sales voucher to make sure the total is correct and complete before you sign/enter your pin. Keep your copy safe.
- Telephone us immediately if your cards are lost or stolen on 0845 600 6000.
