Identity theft

Many people are concerned about the loss of their personal details, especially families in the UK with a child under 16.

We recommend taking the following security measures to protect your information:

always check your bank statements for unusual transactions
monitor your bank account regularly, especially if you bank online
change your account password if it's a date of birth or name
regularly change your pin number.

Bogus requests for information

Don't give out your personal or bank account details if you're asked for them by phone or email and look out for signs of identity theft and fraud in your bank account.

Reputable companies will never ask you for your account details over the phone or by email.

Credit reference checks

You can check your credit history by contacting the three main credit reference agencies and requesting a copy of your credit file.

The best way to do this is to write to the different companies. A hard copy of your file costs just £2 and is non-refundable.

The agencies may also offer other services, such as allowing you to retrieve your file over the phone or online, but these services can cost up to £12 per query.

You should provide your full name, date of birth and address, including your postcode and any other address you have lived at in the last six years, as well as details of any other names you have used or been known by during that time.

Keep a copy of your letter and proof of posting. Unless the agencies require any further information, they have seven working days from receiving your letter to provide you with a copy of your file.

The main credit reference agencies are:

Callcredit Plc

Consumer Services Team
PO Box 491
Leeds
LS3 1WZ

Telephone: 0870 060 1414
Website: www.callcredit.plc.uk

Equifax Plc
Credit File Advice Centre
PO Box 1140
Bradford
BD1 5US

Telephone: 0870 010 0583

Experian Limited
Consumer Help Service
PO Box 8000
Nottingham
NG80 7WF

Telephone: 0870 241 6212
Website: www.experian.co.uk