• Self protection
• Has it already happened, and steps to take to correct your records

Have you ever stopped to think about how valuable your personal information is?  We all have heard stories of how criminals have used other people’s data to get an auto loan, a passport, a driver’s license, a credit card, even a library card.  With some effort and a great deal of awareness, you can prevent these things from happening to you.

Self protection:

• To ensure your identity is safe and secure, obtain a copy of your credit report every six months. If you find items on your credit report that are inaccurate or incomplete, or that shouldn’t be there at all, you should dispute them immediately, according to the instructions provided you by the agency that provided you with your report.
• Passwords and pin numbers should never be shared.
• Secure your mail.  If you don’t have one already, get a lockable mailbox or rent a post office box (PO Box).  (If you think your mail is being stolen, call the Royal Mail Customer Enquiry at 08457 740 740.)
• Before you move, alert your bank and credit card companies of your new address and the effective date of your move.
• Keep credit cards and passports in a safe place.  If the cards are lost or stolen, cancel them immediately; alert the appropriate government office of a lost or stolen passport.

Has it already happened?

You could be a victim of identity theft if

• Your credit cards have been lost or stolen
• Your mail is not being delivered as expected, especially bank and credit card statements
• You do not recognize entries in your credit report and/or credit card statements
• You are receiving bills in your name on accounts you haven’t set up

Obtaining a copy of your credit report may alert you immediately if thieves are using your identity.  Review it carefully.  Report all inaccurate information.  After you have reported the inaccuracies, wait three months and get your credit report again to see that the items you reported have been removed.  If they haven’t, repeat the process.

Constant attentiveness to ensuring that your credit is secure may be the most important thing you do for yourself.  Other things to keep in mind are:

• Recognize that identity thieves may call and pose as established businesses.  Be wary any time someone calls you unsolicited and asks for your personal information.