Protecting yourself from fraud
Be careful with confidential information about yourself and financial accounts.
Your PIN is the obvious one but other details such as security numbers on bank cards and security details should be kept confidential.
Banks and other financial companies should not call you and request such information (they should already know it); if you do get a call the proper bank etc will appreciate you being cautious and not giving over information – arrange to call them back or if not urgent for them to contact you a different way or actually at the bank.
Try to check internet sites you are considering using – is it a credited site?
Does it have premises such as a shop/factory and a landline connection (which you could always check)? Genuine sites also very often have secure methods for payment via your bank’s security system or such companies as Paypal etc.
Remember – many goods are not heavily discounted so be wary of
any site offering such.
Does your computer have up to date data protection such as Norton?
Installation and maintenance of data protection means you are less prone to offenders getting into your computer and being able to abstract information.
This is just as important for businesses as it is for individuals. Check also that your security firewalls are being used; companies have been caught out by having systems installed but not used.
Protect yourself from property fraud
If you aren’t living in the property you rent out, it’s important to keep Land Registry updated of your contact address. This helps to reduce the risk of property fraud occurring.
Up to three addresses are allowed including email addresses, addresses abroad and the address of someone you trust. You can find out more here.
For an information guide produced by the Land Registry about keeping them updated, click here.
