How to Spot An Identity Fraudster

Identity fraudsters have a number of methods of scamming you into providing them with your personal information, which they can then use for a number of unlawful activities such as stealing money from your account and running up charges or opening new credit accounts in your name.

There are a number of ways in which fraudster can reveal themselves to you, so it is important that you learn how to look out for these telltale signs, so that you can spot a potential fraudster who is trying to make you their next victim.

More haste less speed
Fraudsters who contact you on the telephone or door to door will often try and rush you into making a decision, as they know if you stop and think about what they are telling you the flaws in their persuasive sales patter will become glaringly obvious and arouse your suspicions.  If an unsolicited caller asks you for an immediate decision for any goods, services, investment opportunities or free gifts they are trying to push on you, then be very wary and don’t be pressured into providing them with the information they are tying to obtain from you.  A legitimate business would value your custom, and would be happy for you to make the decision in your own time.

Confidentiality
Be very suspicious of any calls, emails or letters requesting sensitive personal information from you such as your bank account details, credit card numbers or online account log ins.  This is confidential data, and could be misused by fraudsters, and so you should avoid giving this information out unless you have confirmed that the person requesting the data is genuine, and you should never give out personal information by email at all, as this is an unsecured method of data transfer and you cannot guarantee who will receive it.  In no circumstance should you ever give anyone your online account log in details as this will literally give them total access to your account, which they could then misuse.