Removal Company | Moving Company | Removals, London

four adults had been ID fraud victims or know somebody who had their Identity stolen. It means people are in danger not only when they are changing address. It is unbelievable what huge damage it causes, once your ID was stolen. Although you might be able to sort out the whole thing with your bank, it is very hard to repair your credit. This means you may be a refusal for years if, for example, you attempt to take a mortgage for a house.

Fraudsters are using various methods to obtain someone’s details. I found out interesting article on BBC website. Professor Martin Gill interviewed identity thieves to check what methods they use. The interesting fact is that we are at a risk even without moving anywhere. Additionally, it does not take so much to steal our details. Most thieves use very simple methods to obtain what they are looking for, these are examples stated by thieves:
• Look for flats with shared mail boxes
• Pay delivery people to get someone else’s letters
• Search our rubbish bins
• Steal our handbags with all the important documents

Having realised this, we can actually use simple ways to be slightly more protected.

WHAT TO DO WHEN MOVING HOUSE?

First of all, plan it well! Sit and write down all the organisations you must inform about moving. To ease this process you may simply print a “Removal Count Down” for our website and you will have all the major institutions listed there with the time notice they require. It is quite simple. Most often you have to call them or just go to the website to provide all the details of the new property. The best thing to do is to inform them well in advance as there might be some delays that would cause your unnecessary suffering. I found a forum, where one of the users was complaining that he had no TV as there was a 3 weeks transfer delay. Just do this boring, however very important. Task as soon as you can, so that nothing will disturb you smooth moving process.
The last thing to do before moving is redirecting your post to the new address. Royal Mail has this fantastic service in offer. It is paid service (to be accurate £7.10 per month), but it is worth the amount to make sure your details are safe. It’s easy and you can do it online. Simply go to http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/product1?catId=400040&mediaId=600008
and follow the instructions.

HOW TO PREVENT BECOMING A VICTIM.

I did a little research on how to prevent becoming a victim and I must admit there are some scary histories on there. These are few simple ways to make your ID more secure:
• Do not use mother’s maiden name and date of birth as a password. They are in documents available for the public and easy to find.

• Do not use the same password in different accounts.

• Check your bank records on regular basis.

• Never! Once again, NEVER give your details on the phone. Even when they say they say they are calling from your bank!

• Use services from credit reference agencies, so that you can check your credit report regularly. To do this you can log in to Call Credit (http://www.callcredit.plc.uk/), Equifax (http://www.equifax.co.uk/) or Experian (http://www.experian.co.uk/) and apply online or call provided number. It is not free, but costs are no more than few pounds.

• Buy a shredder! It is not a waste of money!

I REALISED MY IDENTITY WAS STOLEN. WHAT NOW?

Act quick, as soon as you realise it.

• Report it to police (inform them about all stolen belongings)

• If you lost your driving licence you must quickly inform DVLA and ask for replacement. You can do it online (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/MotoringDecisionTrees/DuplicateLicences/replacement_driving_licence.dsb ), on the phone (0870 240 0009) and by post (the form available at the post office). They will charge you £22.00.

• If you realise that you became a victim because of a cheque, credit card or online banking you must inform your financial institution. Then they will be responsible for further investigation.

• If it was not connected with financial institution, but any other, contact them as soon as possible and they will advice you on the next step.
• If you suspect your mail fraud, contact Royal Mail (http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm ) and they will investigate your case.

• Consider registering with CIFAX. If you have any reason to be worried about your ID, they will make sure all the applications for loans, claims and others are checked properly, so that you can feel safe.

• Finally, if you are a witness of a crime, call Crime Stoppers (0800 555 111). You can help reducing the crime in the UK and it’s 100% anonymous. Well, it’s up to you.

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