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You and your money
Perhaps you will soon be going on holiday. If so, you’ll want to take extra care to make sure you don’t fall victim to financial fraud while you are away.
Sadly more people than ever are becoming targets for “identity theft.” Criminals may try to find out your personal details and use them to get loans, credit cards, state benefits, passports and driving licences in your name. If your identity is stolen, you may have trouble getting financial services until the matter is sorted out. You should contact the Police immediately.
Fortunately you can take some simple steps to protect yourself:
- Always keep your personal papers in a secure place.
- Use a shredder to destroy unwanted bills, receipts, credit or debit card slips, bank statements and even unwanted post in your name.
- Check your bank statements and credit card bills promptly and query any items you cannot identify.
- Never give your account details to anyone who contacts you. No bank, building society or credit union will ever contact you to ask for your account number or password, so keep them to yourself.
- Cancel any lost or stolen cards immediately.
- When using a credit card over the phone, in shops or on the internet, don’t let other people overhear you or see your personal information.
- If you move house, contact Royal Mail to get your post redirected for at least a year and give your new address to everyone you deal with.
By following these common-sense tips we should all be able to beat the financial fraudsters and enjoy the summer.
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