Identity fraud

If you are a business owner or employee responsible for security, finance or IT, there are some key ways you can reduce the risk of identity fraud:

• Check the identity of every new customer. Use reputable credit reference agencies.
• Introduce and stick to strict procedures for disposing of documents containing any company information – shredding information continues to be one of the best ways of disposing confidential information.
• Store sensitive documents in a safe place and limit access to only the employees who need it, to ensure information is not falling into the wrong hands.
• Keep company accounts out of the public domain to ensure fraudsters can’t obtain sufficient detail to facilitate an attack by impersonation.
• Update information security regularly, using the latest versions of computer firewalls and anti-virus software. This is crucial in staying one step ahead of corporate fraud.
• Encrypt important information for extra security, this allows only authorised users to access them. This can be a powerful guarantee of privacy and security.
• Have a clear change control process to ensure that requests to alter payment details are genuine and not someone impersonating your customers.
• Make all staff aware of the risks of corporate fraud, and the procedures in place to tackle them.

Remember – if something seems suspicious it's possibly fraudulent. By taking extra care of your personal information, you can really help reduce the risk of identity fraud. And if it does happen to you, rest assured, there’s plenty of help and advice – you’re not alone.

If you think your identity may have been stolen, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

• Call us on 08457 21 31 41 if you’re concerned your Bank of Scotland bank account may have been compromised.
• Contact any other banks or credit card companies you use to cancel your cards and accounts.
• Check your credit status by contacting one of the three credit reference agencies:
• Experian 
  www.experian.co.uk
  0844 481 8000
  PO Box 9000, Nottingham NG80 7WP
• Equifax
  www.equifax.co.uk
  PO Box 1140, Bradford BD1 5US
• CallCredit 
  www.callcredit.co.uk
  0870 060 1414
  PO Box 491, Leeds LS3 1WZ
• Contact CIFAS, the UK's Fraud Prevention Service, to register for Protective Registration for protection against further attacks.
• Contact creditors, banks, phone companies and utility providers, and keep a record of all communications.
• Contact your local police and report the crime to get a reference number.