Ten steps to make your identity safe

Your identity is your most valuable asset, these steps will help you protect it.

  • Shred, shred, shred! Don't throw any paperwork with your name, address or other personal details away without shredding them.
  • Protect your passwords and change them regularly - a good password will stop it being guessed.
  • Get regular copies of your bank statements and credit report. This will enable you to monitor your credit status and spot any activity that you personally have not carried out.
  • Be mindful of the information you give out over the phone - your bank and building society will never ask you to give them your password or PIN number.
  • Never click on suspicious links - if you do not recognise a link or are not expecting it to appear then ignore it.
  • Use secure websites when completing financial transactions. A secure website URL should begin with 'https' rather than 'http'. The 's' at the end of 'http' stands for secure and is using an SSL (secure sockets layer) connection.
  • Redirect your mail quickly after moving house - your mail often has a significant amount of personal and financial information. You don't want this falling into the hands of s stranger.
  • Think about the information that you share on social media - over-sharing information online could assist fraudsters in gaining all the information they need about you.
  • Keep your anti-virus software up to date - additional protection on your computer may stop a virus.
  • If you are concerned that you have been a victim of identity fraud, act quickly - contact your bank or building society who will try and help you.
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