A typical case of identity theft takes 400 hours to resolve, according to financial data experts Experian, and it is estimated that over 120,000 people are affected every year, costing the UK economy £1.2 billion. Becoming a victim of identity theft is clearly expensive in time and money, as well as reputation; particularly for those in the Forces where regular operational deployments can make it harder to keep track of personal finances and allow little opportunity to resolve issues that may arise.
Criminals go to great lengths to steal personal details and use them to open bank accounts, get credit cards, loans, state benefits and documents such as passports and driving licences in the victim's name. The first you may know about this is when you start to experience difficulty in getting loans, credit cards or a mortgage.
To protect against the consequences of this crime, which has been labelled one of the fastest growing frauds, Forces Financial's customers can now include Identify Theft cover with their annual Kit and Contents insurance premium. The cover provides peace of mind against losses incurred as a result of becoming a target, such as expenses run up defending your name and reinstating your credit status after fraudulent activity. The cover extends to all residents in the insured's household.
By adding just £12 a year to their Kit and Contents insurance premium policyholders have seven day a week access to the Identity Theft Helpline. This provides professional advice and support and, in the event of a claim, referral to a Support Service caseworker to guide the policyholder through a personal action plan to regain their identity. If legal action is necessary to reinstate identity, or defend a case brought against the policyholder by traders the policy covers the legal costs of an appointed representative, in addition to loss of wages, loan rejection and reapplication fees.
Identity Theft insurance is available to new and existing Forces Financial Kit and Contents customers, and further information can be found by visiting one of the Forces Financial branches in the UK , Germany or Cyprus . Alternatively c all freephone 00800 76 76 77 77 from UK & Germany and +44 1782 793 470 from the rest of the world for more information.
4 tips for keeping your identity safe
1. Keep your personal information secure:
Regularly obtain a copy of your personal credit file to see which financial organisations have accessed your details.
Check the security of your mail deliveries if you live in a shared property. If you suspect your mail is being stolen contact the Royal Mail Customer Enquiry Line: 08457 740 740.
If you move house, tell your bank, card issuer and all other organisations that you deal with immediately.
2. Keep your plastic cards safe:
Never carry documents or plastic cards unnecessarily.
If your plastic cards are lost or stolen, cancel them immediately.
When giving out your card details or personal information make sure other people cannot hear or see your personal information.
3. Keep your documents safe:
Destroy unwanted documents containing any personal information, preferably by using a shredder.
Keep your personal documents in a safe place, preferably locked. Consider storing valuable financial documents with your bank.
If your passport or driving licence has been lost or stolen contact the issuing organisation immediately.
4. Keep your passwords and pins safe:
Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. A bank will never ask for your PIN or for a whole security number or password.
Don't use the same password for more than one account and never use banking passwords for any other websites.
Keep your passwords safe and never record or store them in a manner which leaves them open to theft, such as in your purse or wallet.
(Info identitytheft.org.uk) |
