identity theft, shredding and insurance

italia

should i buy a shredder for all credit card documents etc? and do i need identity theft insurance

i'm really confused, there was something on tv about people stealing your rubbish and that you should shred but i only caught half the program. i dont get it, if someone steals my statements so what? if they apply for a credit card etc in my name it would come to my address and i would get it...

Wutang_2

Just ignore the press...it will never happen to you!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7174760.stm

PROLIANT

Just shread everything that goes in the bin and contact all three credit reference agencies and put a password on your files so only applications with your thumprint/password are processed.

PrincessPeach_2

I agree - shread all documents and credit cards.

As for insurance - that is a bit of a mix. You should be covered for any fraud claims under the british banking code but there is a clause which the banks argue.

With regards to online banking the BB code advises that online account holders should keep their antivirus and spyware software and their personal firewalls up to date.

From March 08, the code has been updated to include a clause stating that banks are not responsible for losses caused by someone else when customers have acted without reasonable care.

in other words there is a possiblity that you many not get your money back from the bank if they feel you have not done enough to protect yourself - most banks do tend to pay up but some try to avoid this.

I would look at the different insurances around and see what they include if you really want cover - some actually offer what is already in the banking code but add that they will asign someone to deal with your case. So you are just really paying for something you would get.

If you want further information look at the british bankers association website and the FSA website will give you further links to other websites on fraud.

I think if you have a captial one credit card - it supplys free cover to all your cards - will go and check.

hope this helps

In