Protection Against Identity Theft & Identity Fraud

Of all crimes, identity theft is increasing with the Home Office estimate that it costs the British economy beyond £ 1.7 billion each year.

As a company that specializes in IT support to small businesses and home users in the United Kingdom, The PC Support Group began to see an increase in this type of activity.

Phil Bird, co-founder of the Support Group PC said: "We found that people are increasingly aware of the need for technical solutions such as anti-virus software to help prevent ID fraud, but they are not themselves in the protection of some more practical ways, like not throwing items such as bank statements in their garbage. We felt that highlight some of these measures would be more practical, even if they are not all technical solutions that you might expect from a company computer support. "

Identity theft and identity theft to refer to all types of crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in a way that involves fraud or deception , Mostly for economic gains. Unlike fingerprints, which can not be reproduced, personal data, especially a person bank account or credit card number can be used by people who can obtain them by using illegal means.

In the UK, many people have reported that unauthorized persons have taken funds from their bank or financial accounts, or in the worst case, their identities altogether, the management of large debts and committing crimes using names of victims.

Few people realize how easy it is today for criminals to obtain personal data. With the increased use of the Internet and with the latest technologies prove useful for criminals, information such as passwords or even banking information can be conveyed in a few minutes, by these criminals. What helps is the fact that in their desire to explore everything the Internet has to offer, some people unwittingly respond to "spam" or unsolicited e-mails and give them personal information to criminals. In other cases, spyware latest technology is used to extract personal information from a computer without the user's knowledge.

After obtaining enough information to identify an individual, a criminal can take care of that individual identity to conduct a wide range of crimes: for example, false applications for loans and credit cards, fraudulent withdrawals bank accounts or obtain other goods or privileges which the criminal can be refused if we could use his real name.

The PC Support Group recommends that everyone should abide by the following simple and necessary measures to avoid identity theft.

Keep personal information secure: Be careful when, where and to whom personal information is given goes a long way to stop identity theft. This is not only careful what you say and to whom, but also being careful where you have old information. Shred all documents containing personal information (such as bank statements, invoices, etc.) with a cross shredder before discarding. Remember that the briefings are useful to a clever thief who can use the documents for more information.

Store security documents: We often find that we let strangers in our homes to do work on construction, decoration, etc and whenever we do that, we run the risk that someone may steal our identity -- and you probably will not spot the problem immediately. Lock important documents such as bank statements and passport safely in a cupboard which are not accessible by other people. Never keep your cards with your checkbooks and never write your PIN or password.

Keep your security cards: Do not leave your cards in your sight. Most people who work in bars, restaurants and shops are honest, but it only takes one dishonest person and a handful of seconds to copy anything they need. Also, when you enter your PIN sure to cover the keypad as an expert fraudsters are qualified to detect such or even shooting with closed-circuit television.

Use social networking sites with caution: networking online is a massive and growing phenomenon, but they can be dangerous. If you reveal too much information about yourself it not take long for a person to fill critical gaps using public information such as electoral lists. Remember, online "friends" May be they say who they are. Be careful what you and your children highlighted. The public Internet is therefore no illusions about who can access the information or how long it might lie somewhere in cyberspace… even if you think you removed later.

Beware of all sites where you can spend money: Just because a Web site seems legitimate and well not make it trustworthy. It could simply be a way to inspire confidence. When you are doing business on the Internet, make sure you know the reputation of the seller and never meet any pressure to expedite a transaction. Another tip on the use of cards for purchases on the Internet is to use a card solely for that purpose, it is easy to identify dishonest transactions.

Watch out for unsolicited e-mails: This is called phishing. If you get an unexpected e-mail with an offer that was too good to be true then chances are it is! Delete these e-mails and do not open attachments. Some fraudsters even seemingly plausible send e-mails from banks request that you respond by e-mail or access a Web site to access certain information. Do not! No responsible institution never do so. If you are unsure, before calling the bank and ask them to e-mail, but do not forget to use the usual number and not on e-mail. In short, never provide personal information in response to an e-mail.

Get an update Virus Checker: For people who use the Internet is a very high priority precaution. The Internet, while being a fantastic tool can also pose major problems regarding the ID fraud. Not only do you need to make sure you have adapted an anti-virus software installed, but you must ensure it is kept up to date. Out of software is also widely used as any software at all. To date anti-virus software can stop malicious programs from entering your computer and stealing your personal information without you even knowing it.

Getting a checker Spyware: Spyware is another means by which criminals can obtain personal data. A good spyware auditor should also be updated and can put an end to these threats.

Use secure passwords and change them regularly: While creating a password, you must keep in mind that should not be easy for someone to guess. In addition, passwords should also be regularly changed so that any person unjustly obtain a password will not be able to do much damage. Ideally, passwords should be at least 8 characters and contain a mixture of alphabetic and numeric characters.
As the saying goes "Forewarned is forearmed." By following these precautions, you can be relatively sure of the identity theft and robbery. Some companies these days offer identity theft protection services the home and business computer users. This could be beneficial, particularly those who deal with a lot of classified information which they would like to keep safe even working on the Internet. After all he did never night to exercise caution and take corrective action after an identity theft would be much more complex and costly.

About Philip Bird
The PC Support Group will not lower your documents for you, but we can make sure your computer has all the right and updating protection. If you want to know more about support, contact us on 0845 2233116 or visit our Web site at www.pcsupportgroup.com