Police advice on ID theft

4:36pm Monday 26th November 2007

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POLICE are urging residents to take precautions to avoid becoming the victims of identity theft or fraud.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has issued advice for people concerned about identity fraud following last week's security blunder by HM Revenue and Customs officials, where personal details of thousands of people went missing.

The precautionary measures suggested by the police include regularly checking bank or billing statements, monitoring credit reports with one of the accredited credit reference agencies and not using personal details in passwords.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "There are many ways in which you can help avoid becoming the victim of identity theft. It is important that people regularly check statements for any suspicious activity on their accounts and not be afraid to question unusual transactions.

"As well as making personal checks there are a number of other organisations that may be able to help if you feel you could be a victim to this type of crime. You can contact an accredited credit reference agency such as Callcredit, Equifax or Experian and follow their advice and guidance to resolve the situation and prevent it happening again."

Identitiy theft occurs when an individual's personal or confidential information is obtained by another person in order to assume their identity. Identity fraud is when these details are used to obtain credit, goods or other services fraudulently.

For more information visit http://www.cifas.org.uk/default.asp?edit_id=561-56