If you think someone has set up an account in your name, or accessed an account you already have with us, please notify us immediately.
See our article on reporting fraud / identity theft for more information.
Information on identity fraud
Identity fraud is when a fraudster steals enough of your personal information to impersonate you. They then apply for loans, credit cards and services in your name.
Signs your information may have been stolen:
- You get bills for accounts you haven’t opened.
- Debt collectors calling you could be a sign someone has applied for credit in your name.
- Letters going missing in the post could mean that your mail has been re-directed.
- You notice strange errors on your credit report.
- Loan or credit card applications are rejected.
What can you do to prevent identity theft?
✔ Regularly check your credit card and bank statements.
Stay on the lookout for things you didn't do and charges you don’t recognise.
✔ Be careful what you're sharing on social media.
Fraudsters can use any personal data you share on posts.
✔ Keep an eye on your credit score.
Credit reference agencies can help you check if someone has opened a new account or taken out a loan or credit card in your name.
✔ Keep your personal documents safe.
Throwing documents away? Use a shredder. Contact your other creditors and check your accounts. Even if you don't believe they have been affected, creditors can proactively monitor your accounts and reassure you.
✔ Beware of unsolicited calls/ texts /emails.
Don’t give out your personal information to anyone you don’t know or trust, especially if you receive an unexpected call, text message or email.
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Information on your account being taken over
Sometimes, an existing account you hold, such as a retail account, is taken over by someone else for their own personal gain.
How to spot if someone has taken over your account:
- You notice transactions you didn’t make or authorise.
- You receive emails confirming deliveries for orders you haven’t made.
- There are changes to the personal details on your account such as billing or email address.
- You can’t log in to your account or the password reset option isn’t working.
- You receive deliveries of products you didn’t order.
- You get multiple spam e-mails that you can’t track.
What to do to protect yourself from your account being taken over:
✔ Choose a strong, unique password.
Make sure you have strong passwords of at least 8 characters, that include letters, numbers, and symbols. Have unique passwords for different accounts and online platforms. This protects your other online accounts if one is compromised. Use multifactor authentication where possible.
✔ Read statements & notifications.
Take time to open and read your financial statements and communications. If you think a statement is due and you haven’t received it, contact the company.
✔ Avoid using public networks.
Don’t use public unsecured Wi-Fi to log into accounts or websites. Always log on to a website directly, rather than opening links in an email.
✔ Keep your software up to date.
Update to the latest anti-virus protection on your devices. Always use the newest and most updated version of operating systems on your personal computer. Change your settings to receive automatic updates.
✔ Check if your data was a part of a breach.
Check if your email address appears on the data breaches on https://haveibeenpwned.com. If your data has been compromised, you should change the password on all online accounts linking to the email you have provided.
Links to further guidance and support
Police Reporting