Identity theft at record levels!

Martin-O2 · ‎23-08-2017

Hey guys,

I was reading this article on the massive increase in identity theft over the past few years. According to the director of Cifas, which is a non-profit fraud prevention service based in the UK, "identities being stolen at a rate of almost 500 a day" with 89,000 reported in the first 6 months of 2017!

The vast majority of identity theft happens online and the article offered several tips to keeping yourself safe..

Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media
Keep your antivirus software up to date
Using strong passwords
Don't use familiar numbers, such as date of births for PIN numbers

Has anyone been a victim of identity theft and if so how did you get your Identity back?

Does anyone have any tips or tricks for keeping your identity save when using PC, tablet or mobile outside of the pretty obvious ones listed above?

Let me know below

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gmarkj · ‎24-08-2017

Only use well known or reputable websites would be one.

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MercedesS · ‎24-08-2017

Thanks for sharing @Martin-O2!

To be honest, I had this problem when I was here, around 10 years ago, and someone decided to use my "personal information" to buy "mobile devices with my name" - till I didn't have more money... all gone (didn't have much but, still...) in one evening! No credit card used, they just signed contracts with my personal information and my bank account! done

The worst: Nothing I can or could do about it! The police told me it was really normal in the UK and that "someone did it stealing my personal information from my rubbish or maybe even my roommates!!!!

What I do now? I just don't make so much money so, no much to lose... but ideas welcome!

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Martin-O2 · ‎25-08-2017

That's a good call @gmarkj! Do you use an antivirus apps on your mobile?

@MercedesS That's terrible! I hope you got it all sorted out.

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gmarkj · ‎25-08-2017

I have one but not used very often @Martin-O2...

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MI5 · ‎25-08-2017

Pointless on a mobile phone.

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Martin-O2 · ‎25-08-2017

@gmarkj I'd have to check if there was one pre-installed but I've never downloaded one.

@MI5 Are viruses not common on mobiles?

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MI5 · ‎25-08-2017

I've never heard of anyone ever getting a real virus on any mobile device.

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Martin-O2 · ‎25-08-2017

Good to know! I'm surprised as you can store a lot of personal info on a mobile so would think they would be a prime target.

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MI5 · ‎25-08-2017

Mobile systems are inherently difficult to hack into, despite all the scare stories you read about.

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