Crime generated by doorstep callers, rogue traders, high pressure sales people, and bogus officials.
It is also crime committed using the the distraction burglary method. This is where the house holder is distracted by a caller whilst another steals property from them.
Remember, you have the right to say 'NO' to uninvited sales people or to warn rogue traders that they are being watched.
Many areas in South Yorkshire now have 'No Cold Calling Zones' established. These are designated areas that clearly state that calling without an appointment will not be accepted. Reports suggest that No Cold Calling Zones give people a greater sense of security.
If you feel there is a need for a No Cold Calling Zone in your area, please contact your local Trading Standards on the link below.
You have lost or had stolen important documents such as your passport or if post expected from your bank has not arrived or you are receiving no post at all.
You may already be a victim of identity theft if:
Items have appeared on your bank or credit card statements that you do not recognise
You applied for state benefit but are told that you are already claiming
You receive bills, invoices or receipts addressed to you for goods or services you haven’t ask for
A mobile phone contract has been set up in your name without your knowledge
You receive letters from solicitors or debt collectors for debts that aren’t yours.
Above are just some things that could indicate you may be a victim, below are some useful security tips on how to protect yourself:
Regularly get a copy of your personal credit file, this may cost as little as £2.00 from a credit reference agency and will show up any entries that you do not recognise.
Royal mail offers a redirection service to help prevent identity fraud when you move house. Consider asking Royal Mail to redirect any post from your old address to your new one for at least a year. You will have to pay a charge for this service.
If you do move addresses inform you’re bank, credit-card company and other organisations that you deal with, as soon as possible. To ensure all is in order get a credit file two to three months after moving.
Cancel any lost or stolen credit or debit cards immediately. Keep a note of the emergency numbers you should call in a safe place.
Be careful to keep your personal information secure when using your card over the phone, on the Internet or in shops.
Be aware of your surroundings when keying in your pin number at cash machines or any outlet using chip + pin. If you notice something unusual about the cash machine you’re using, cancel the transaction and inform the bank immediately.
Do not casually throw away documents such as bills, receipts, credit or debit card slips, bank statements or even unwanted post in your name. Destroy these by using a shredder.
For advice on obtaining your credit file, Royal Mail redirection service and further information about identity theft click on one of the following websites.
You can obtain your credit file from any of the three credit reference agencies listed below. Some also offer consumers secure online access to their credit files.
Report all lost or stolen documents (passports, driving licences, credit cards, chequebooks, etc).
Chain Letters, Chain Emails. What are they, what harm can they do, and what should you do about it? Helpful Advice on forwarding emails, and the security dangers therein.
