Safeguard of Personal and Financial Data

Nowadays, the pace of technologies are accelerating, you may give out your personal and financial information in some way or other. It could be using a loyalty card when you are shopping, in your workplace or when you carry out a transaction with your bank. Crimes such as identity theft are increasing and it is even more important that you safeguard your information and protect yourself. Criminal groups can find out and use your personal details to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards and loans and get benefits in your name. Besides, there are some other ways that the criminal groups can steal an identity, such as dumpster diving, mail theft, impostors, and direct access to personal documents at home.
But, don’t panic! There are some simple steps you can take to safeguard your information. They are:-
- Store any documents that carry your personal details, such as passport, driving license, bank statement and utility bills in a safe place
- Shred or destroy personal documents carrying your personal details, such as bank statements, bills, receipts or credit card statements or any other document that carries your name, address or other personal details
- Ensure any receipts are disposed of safely, especially if your payment card details are imprinted
- If you move house you must redirect all your mail, inform your bank, utility companies and other organisations of your new address.
- In the public computer lab, do not access to your personal and financial details, such as bank balance.
- Create password for your confidential information to avoid people access to it. Remember, avoid using the birth date and the password must keep to yourself!
- Review your credit reports annually to safeguard your identity
- Avoid giving your personal details to unknown parties through phone or email.
- Check your bank and credit-card statements regularly for unusual or unfamiliar transactions
- Regularly get a copy of your personal credit file to check for any suspicious credit applications.
- Always consider who you are giving your personal information to