Identity fraud

Identity fraud, or ‘ID theft’, involves the use of a person’s stolen details to commit crime. Many victims never find out exactly how someone got hold of their details, and clearing things up afterwards can be costly and stressful.

Links, attachments, suspicious emails

Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details.

You should always be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls or SMS messages asking you to disclose personal details, such as login information – especially if they claim to come from your bank/credit card provider.

Such scams can be very convincing, and attackers may use your personal data to make them look even more realistic.

Be mindful of what you share online

Think about what you're posting, and who has access to it. Have you configured the privacy options so that it's only accessible to the people you want to see it?

Passwords and 2FA

Secure important online accounts with a strong, separate password and two-factor authentication (2FA)

If an online accounts that holds personal or financial information about you is hacked by criminals, they could use that information to steal your identity.

Review your bank statements regularly

Monitor your bank statements regularly and notify your bank as soon as possible if you notice anything suspicious. You can check your credit rating quickly and easily online.

You should do this every few months anyway, using a reputable service provider and following up on any unexpected or suspicious results.