Personal Details
Articles about protecting your personal information from theft and fraud in various situations. Topics include passport security, bank details, electoral register risks, card safety and responding to identity theft.
ATM Skimming: Copying Your Details
Thieves install fake card readers and cameras on ATMs to steal your card details and PIN when you withdraw cash.
Bank Account Details and Security
Knowing what bank details fraudsters can use against you helps you spot the warning signs of identity theft and protect your money.
Can a Notice of Correction Protect Against I.D Theft?
A Notice of Correction can help you rebuild credit after identity theft by alerting lenders to disputed accounts and your circumstances.
Criminal Checks: The DBS (was CRB)
DBS checks (formerly CRB) are background checks employers use to screen applicants for jobs working with children, elderly people or vulnerable adults.
Data Breaches and Public Security
Recent UK data breaches have exposed millions of personal records, raising serious questions about how and where your information is stored.
High Street Lending and Personal Details
When you apply for credit, your personal details could end up in the wrong hands if they're not properly protected.
Insurance Policies and Your Personal Details
Insurance policies collect extensive personal information about you, from basic details to medical and employment history.
Is Identity Theft Insurance Just a Scam?
Identity theft insurance costs £50-£100 yearly, but whether it's worth buying depends on how well you'd handle the fallout if your identity was stolen.
Mail Theft and Personal Security
Protect yourself from mail theft by tracking your bills and knowing what personal information travels through the post.
PDA's and Your Personal Information
Keep your personal data safe on PDAs and handheld devices by understanding the security risks that come with storing sensitive information on the go.
Photographic ID and ID Cards
Why organisations now require photographic ID to prevent identity theft and fraud when opening accounts or obtaining credit.
Protecting Your Birth Certificate
Keep your birth certificate safe from identity thieves who can use your personal details to commit fraud and theft.
Protecting Your Passport Information
Keep your passport safe from identity thieves by understanding what personal information it contains and why it matters.
Q and A: Getting Hold of Your Credit File
Your credit file shows lenders your financial history, including addresses, court judgments and past debts, so they can decide whether to give you credit.
Rebuilding Your Credit Record After Identity Theft
How to fix your credit score and recover financially after identity theft has damaged your record.
Teaching Children About Identity Theft
Help your child protect their personal information and understand how identity theft happens and what to do if it occurs.
The National Identity Service
The National Identity Service issues passports and provides identity support across the UK using biometric security measures.
Use Your Credit Score to Stop Identity Theft
Your credit score can reveal suspicious activity and help protect you from identity theft before it damages your finances.
Using Credit and Debit Cards Safely
Protect yourself from fraud and theft with practical tips for using credit and debit cards safely every day.
What Are Biometric Passports?
Biometric passports use fingerprints and iris scans on a plastic card to verify your identity and reduce identity theft and fraud.
What Is Identity Theft Fraud Alert?
A fraud alert flags your credit file so lenders must contact you before opening accounts in your name, protecting you from identity theft.
What Is Shoulder Surfing?
Shoulder surfing is when someone watches over your shoulder to steal passwords and PINs, here's how it works and why it matters.
What Is Text Messaging Identity Theft?
Smishing scams trick people into giving up personal information through fake text messages that claim to be from their bank.
What to Do if Your Identity Is Stolen?
Check your credit file immediately if you suspect identity theft, then contact the companies and police involved.
Who Is at Risk from Forgery?
Forgery remains a real crime that can affect anyone with important documents, especially when combined with identity theft.
Why Shred Personal Documents?
Shredding personal documents is a simple way to stop identity thieves from piecing together your personal information.
Your Details and the Electoral Register
Your details appear on the electoral register, and businesses, lenders and councils use it to verify who you are and track down unpaid debts.
Your National Insurance Number
Your National Insurance Number is automatically sent when you turn 16 and you'll need it to pay tax and build your state pension record.