Protecting yourself against ID theft does not need to be a difficult or time consuming task - follow D&B's simple tips to minimise your risk:

• Check your credit report regularly; this will alert you to any attempts to open a credit account in your name
• Think carefully about password selection, particularly for services which you can access via the internet as birthdates and pet names are common and easy to crack
• Change your passwords regularly and, if you need to write them down, ensure that you store your passwords in a secure place
• Shred all records which contain personal information, items such as bills can be used by fraudsters to obtain key identity details
• Always verify a source before you share information; identity thieves are clever and may pose as representatives from a variety of organisations to get access to your details
• Only conduct an internet transaction if you are sure the website is valid and secure, fraudsters often use the internet to solicit personal details
• Be careful when using social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace which require personal details to sign up
• Always destroy old credit and debit cards and sign new cards as soon as you receive them
• Cancel ALL cards and memberships in the event that your wallet is lost or stolen
• If you move house update your address details with ALL companies that may send you mail.
  

If you think your identity has been stolen you should contact the police, your credit provider and a credit reporting agency. It is advised that you document all conversations with these bodies.



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