How do I find out if I have been impersonated by someone?
Identity theft is when someone pretends to you to buy anything or to take out a loan. Until you get an invoice or notice that your credit rating has been affected, you won’t know anything is amiss.
What to do if your identity has been stolen?
If you suspect that your identity was stolen, contact the authorities immediately.
Contact the company:Contact the bank, credit card company or other company where you were a victim to identity theft, and tell them what happened.
Report it To Action Fraud: Individuals and organizations that have been the victims of identity fraud should contact Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or via their website.
Get victim assistance: Victim Support offers free expert advice and support to victims of crime. Victim Support is an independent charity that supports victims and witnesses of crime in England, Wales and other parts of the UK. Visit their website to learn more.
Additional protection: If you suspect that you may be at risk of identity theft or have been the victim, Cifas Protective Registration can help you to protect yourself against fraudulent acts.
Report identity fraudsters: If you have any information about identity fraud, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 112 or visit their website.
Query suspicious email: Even if it appears to be from an organization you know, be cautious of unsolicited mail. Unsolicited email attachments and links should not be opened. Never give out financial or personal information. Do not ignore any suspicious mail or suggest that you have an account with this sender.
Royal Mail Customer Care can be reached at 08457 704 740, or via their website. If you suspect your mail has been stolen or a redirection request was made in your name without permission, please contact them.
Victim of impersonation marker
If you see “Victim of Impersonation” on your credit report, don’t panic. You may not know how your identity was stolen or attempted to steal. It is very likely that the record was created by a company to protect you as quickly as possible. A letter with explanations is currently on its way.
You can contact the organization that created your record if you have not received a letter within the specified time frame. You can access your credit report, which contains information about your alert service.
Don’t worry if you sign up for Cifas Protective Registration and later find “Victim of Impersonation” on your credit report.
If your company is caught by Cifas, the warning will be displayed and you must validate it. They will be reminded that in order for an application or facility to be legitimate, they need to take additional precautions and avoid fraud in the future.
You will be considered a Victim of Impersonation for the next 13-months. After that, you will remain a victim of impersonation for another year and half. This is because your ID has been stolen. Our Protection Registration program might be worth considering if you feel you will need more coverage.
What should you do if your deceased relative is being impersonated?
Protective Registration is available to anyone who suspects that a deceased person’s identity has been misused by a fraudster. Richardson Lissack is available to assist you if you need it.
