Identity fraud

Identity fraud is when your personal information is used, without your permission, by someone else to open bank accounts or get credit cards, loans and state benefits in your name. Fraudsters can also use your personal information to ‘take over’ your existing savings accounts and investments and steal your money.

The types of personal information used for identity fraud are name, address history, date of birth, National Insurance number. 

Criminals can obtain this information in a number of ways - taking documents from rubbish bins or by contacting you by mail, phone or email and pretending to be from a legitimate organisation such as ours.

We’ve listed below some things that may suggest someone has stolen your identity:

• There are transactions missing on your bank statement, for example, regular Direct Debits to an investment you have with us. This could indicate that a fraudster has accessed your investment and closed it, taking the money.
• You stop receiving routine performance information concerning your investment, for example, your annual statement. A fraudster may have changed your address.
• You are unexpectedly refused credit or a personal loan.
• You receive communications confirming actions you have not authorised, for example, change of address, change of bank details, withdrawal payment.
• It would be extremely unusual if we were to tell you to ignore a letter or email we sent you without giving you a clear reason why.

Your personal information is extremely valuable and you should take care to protect it:

• Rip up documents, including envelopes and junk mail, before you throw them away.
• Keep important documents safe, for example, passport or driving licence and/or financial policy documents.
• If you move house, make sure your mail is redirected. Immediately inform all of your financial companies and other organisations (such as the DVLA) of your change of address.
• Keep your contact details up to date.
• If your  passport  or  driving licence  has been lost or stolen, contact the issuing organisation immediately.
• If your plastic cards are lost or stolen, cancel them immediately.
• If you stop receiving mail you are expecting, contact Royal Mail for an explanation.
• Review your financial statements for any unusual activity or transactions you aren’t aware of authorising.
• Be suspicious if you are unexpectedly contacted by telephone, email, post, asking you for personal information e.g. password, or policy number.
• Don't use the same password for more than one account and never use banking passwords for any other websites.
• Keep your passwords safe and never record or store them in a manner which leaves them open to theft, such as in your purse or wallet, or in a file on your PC.

A good thing to consider, for peace of mind, is to sign up to a credit agency like Experian and regularly obtain a copy of your personal credit score, see all your active accounts in one place and receive alerts if a loan is taken out in your name. 

You can learn more about protecting yourself from scams and theft on the Home Office and  Money Advice Service websites.

If you believe you are the victim of identity fraud you should  contact us  and your other financial providers as soon as possible.

Consider contacting  CIFAS – The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service  - to apply for protective registration.