Q&A: child benefit data loss

Last Modified: 21 Nov 2007
By: Channel 4 News

Find out how serious the loss of confidential records is and how it can affect you here.

What was on the discs?

The two discs held personal information belonging to people who claim child benefit.

They include people's names, their addresses, dates of birth, child benefit numbers, National Insurance numbers and bank or building society account details.

They also contain the names and dates of birth of the children that the benefit is being claimed for.

What is at risk?

The data itself is not a direct threat, but it fell into the wrong hands it could be used to defraud people in two main ways:

They maybe able to access bank accounts where people have used their children's date of birth as the password or pin numbers. It may also be possible to set up direct debit payments from your account with the information provided, although banks have indicated they will refund the money if this occurs.

The second risk is that the data can be used to open fake credit card accounts in your name to purchase goods. When payments fail to materialise, debt recovery agencies may contact you instead.

In this case, it might be advisable to check your credit reference history through one of the credit reference agencies to see what your credit history has been, although this does cost money.

It may be difficult to identify any fraud that occurs as a result of this incidenct as fraudulent activity occurs every day.

How can I protect myself?

Monitor your bank transactions and change your password / pin numbers so they don't contain any child's date of birth. If you can, check your credit reference. Be wary, but not alarmed.

Additionally, don't respond to any unsolicited 'phishing' emails asking for you to visit a website to enter your personal details.

Who can this potentially effect?

Anyone who receives child benefit on behalf of their children. This is the largest incident of its kind and can potentially affect 25 million adults.

What should I do if I think I've been defrauded?

You should contact your bank or credit card company if you think you've seen suspicious activity in your account.

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have also prepared a Child Benefit helpline you can call. It is 0845 302 1444.

Contact us

Finally, if you have been affected by this, have any questions or have any information you want to share please do contact us at news@channel4.com