Fears over ID theft grow: but measures can be taken to minimise the risk

by Richard Kilner

Story link: Fears over ID theft grow: but measures can be taken to minimise the risk

Over the course of this year anxieties centred on identity theft have doubled, according to American Express Insurance Services. Not only that, but it has also replaced the yob culture as the greatest worry for British women.

YouGov conducted a poll, surveying 2,000 people who were representative of the general population about their safety concerns in the days leading up to Christmas. The results gathered were then compared and contrasted to a similar poll that took place near the year’s start.

Fears about identity theft have increased massively over the year, up to 41% from 22% at the year’s start. Highly publicised breaches of data security and the continuing rise in internet shopping are thought to explain the result.

Only yob culture, on 44%, is considered a greater cause of anxiety than identity theft.

Personal data is the fuel of identity theft, and when enough has been garnered the criminal can impersonate a given individual and abuse that position to rack up massive debts, open new accounts or use it as a cover for other criminal activities.

There are easy measures that can be taken to help minimise the risk of identity theft, however. When shopping, only take what is necessary for the journey (no need for multiple credit cards when browsing for cards, for example) and make certain that any purses/wallets are safe.

When shopping online, only use sites that seem reputable and provide contact details. Don’t share excessive information over networking sites.

If withdrawing money from a cash machine, cover your PIN as you enter it and try to make sure that the machine hasn’t been tampered with.

When socialising, don’t leave your cash or jacket/coat unattended. Don’t leave your credit card behind the bar.

Don’t discard information that could be useful to identity thieves, such as bank statements. Purchase a shredder and use it frequently.

Check credit reports to make sure nothing untoward is happening.