If you were a victim of identity theft, who would you turn to?
If you're a Capital One customer you'll be given your own named advisor
to ensure your case is resolved.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when fraudsters obtain your personal details to open bank accounts, credit cards,
mortgages and loans in your name, with no intention of paying them off. They can also apply for passports
and driving licenses, using your identity to involve you in criminal activity. This could lead to you encountering
debt collectors, court actions and you could even have problems getting a mortgage or a job.
Prevention Tips
Here are just a few simple steps you can take immediately to help protect yourself:
- Shred or destroy unwanted personal documentation
- Never disclose your personal details unless you are confident you know who you're speaking to
- Make a note of when mail is due, in particular regular statements or bills. That way you will be aware
if they are late or missing. If you are concerned contact the organisation that sends you the mail or alternatively
speak to Royal Mail
- When moving house, subscribe to the Royal Mail redirection service for at least a year
- Inform all your banks, building societies, credit card providers, etc. of your new address immediately
- Keep personal documents secure at home, carry the minimum with you and never leave them in your car
- Check your credit card and bank statements regularly and report unauthorised transactions immediately
- If you are disposing of a personal computer, make sure you wipe the hard drive using specialist software applications
Identity Theft – The facts
- It is estimated that identity theft in the UK costs the British economy £1.7 billon annually - source The Home Office
- Identity theft is one of the UK's fastest growing types of crime, since 1999, identity fraud has grown by over 500% - source
CIFAS
- 135,000 incidents were reported in 2005 - source CIFAS
- During 2004 one identity theft case occurred every four minutes in the UK - calculated
using information from CIFAS
- Identity theft on average goes undetected for over a year
- In cases where a 'total hijack' has occurred, perhaps involving 20-30 different lenders, it may take the victim
as long as 400 hours and cost up to £8000 before things are back to normal - source CIFAS
To find out how Capital One can help you protect your identity visit our
Security page