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PROTECT YOURSELF
Don't panic. There are things that you can do to ensure that you don't fall foul of identity thieves. Our simple list shows you the three key things to do...or what not do do.1. Shred all post with your name and address on - that's personal mail, junk mail, mail that only has your initial, *any* post that has your name on it. ID thiefs raid bins and they will use anything that has your name on it. Make sure when you rip up your mail that you have torn your name and address specifically.
2. Never - ever - give your address, date of birth, pin number or any other personal details to anyone who calls, no matter whether they say they are from your bank, about to give you a free holiday or anything else! Banks don't call people and ask for details, they make a point of stating that you should not give out your full pin number even to them and people just don't give away something for nothing. If you are in doubt tell them you will call them back, then get the number for the organisation from a different source.
3. Don't send any bank details or personal details via the internet. Often identity thieves send very official looking emails which send you to very official looking sites where they will ask for your pin number date of birth etc. If you are in any doubt about emails such as this then contact your bank or credit agency directly through any letters they may have sent you, these will have official contact details on them.
