Identity theft is among the UK's fastest-rising crimes, with recent data showing a 21% increase, mostly from the internet. Everybody could be vulnerable to some risk with the current global digitalisation drive. The concern is that it is frequently difficult to detect identity theft until it is too late. Below are some red flags which suggest that your data may have been compromised or stolen and used fraudulently.
Unauthorised credit or bank card transactions
Unauthorised transactions on bank or cardholder accounts may signal that thieves have stolen or counterfeited your credit or debit cards or got your account information via other illegal ways. In the digital payments, paperless statements, and online banking age, these abnormalities can be easy to spot, especially since fraudsters sometimes make tiny transactions to establish account access before performing a large charge or withdrawal. Try to make it a practice to monitor your credit card and bank statements at least monthly, even if you aren't using a particular card. If you include this in the regular bill payment process, you can detect suspicious activity early enough to prevent further damage. Don't dismiss minor charges that appear unusual. If you and your spouse or partner have a common debit, credit card, or savings account, it could be that they completed the payment and not an intruder. Check with them to determine whether they purchased stuff and forgot to inform you.
Online takeover
According to Aura, scammers are keener on your internet accounts than your Social Security number in 2023. Identity thieves utilise advanced social engineering and phishing attempts to acquire access to your social media accounts, email accounts, and online bank accounts. Many online services need customers to enter personal information such as their complete name, home address, and debit or credit card number. Criminals take this information from internet accounts to commit identity theft, like applying for loans using the victim's credit card. As a result, it is practical to take steps to prevent criminals from taking over your online accounts. Why not learn how to prevent your instagram from being hacked as a first step toward protecting your online accounts?
Missing email or mail
Have you not received a monthly bill in the past few months, whether by mail or email? A criminal may take your mail or change the postal or electronic mail address to prevent you from noticing fraudulent charges. Alternatively, if you haven't asked for a change of address, you might get a notification from the postal carrier that your correspondence is being sent to another address. Do you feel that your mail has been tampered with? It would help if you acted quickly to safeguard yourself from additional danger.
Debt collectors' calls
Collection agency letters, phone calls, or emails requesting repayment on an outstanding balance you do not own might further indicate identity theft. A crook might have run up a charge in your name. If you're being hunted down for payments you don't owe, inquire with the collector's agent about the exact nature of the financial obligation and the purported transaction. Inspect your credit history for proof of an unpaid account and evidence of any inappropriate action relating to the problem, such as establishing an illegal credit account.
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