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Now worried about identity theft

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Littleweedj
Littleweedj Posts: 213 Forumite
edited 26 April 2013 at 5:28PM in Savings & investments
Today I had my wallet stolen (pickpocket) from my bag. Amongst other things it contained my Credit card, Bank Card, Driver's License and Rail card plus money.

I've immediately informed my bank and credit card companies who have cancelled these. However, I am very worried about my driver's license showing my name, address, date of birth etc. Is it possible for someone to use this for opening accounts or steal my identity in other ways. However, it is the new type and does have my photo on it, although also know photo images can be "doctored".

Someone advised that when I inform the DVLA they don't void the card or change the license number, all they do is replace it - is this true? If so then what would be the use in reporting it as a theft to them. It's been reported to the Police and I've been given a reference number.

This is a reminder to me that I should never have kept so many cards, information etc. in the one wallet and although it is too late now I will be more aware in future. But can I ask some advice, is there anything I should be doing now to protect my identity as I am so scared they will be able to access my savings and open accounts fraudulently in my name?

Comments

  • Yorkie1
    Yorkie1 Posts: 12,006 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    You can also consider a putting a marker on CIFAS - costs you but would make it far harder for anyone else to take out credit in your name.
  • MoneySaverLog
    MoneySaverLog Posts: 3,232 Forumite
    Yes they have enough data there to potentially clone your ID and apply for stuff in your name. The CIFAS protective registration is a good idea it lasts 12 months and would then need renewing.
  • Thank you all for above advice, I will now take out CIFAS protection but unfortunately will need to wait to receive new cards in order to pay for it, as my accounts are currently cancelled!

    Only good point hopefully is that recently moved house and still to update address on driving license.The address on the license is different as stayed temporarily for 3 months with a friend and nothing in my name is registered there.
  • Hominu
    Hominu Posts: 1,671 Forumite
    I had the same happen to me, now I only take out with me what I think is necessary, the rest stays in the safe at home and I never take my photo id unless I need it.

    Reported my license as stolen to DVLA and they charged me £17.50 for a replacement! It was exactly the same as the old one and then 6 months later had to pay again as they wanted me to update my photo! I now wished I never bothered.

    Didn't bother with CIFAS protection, just checked my credit report once a month for 6 months and then every other month.
  • zerog
    zerog Posts: 2,478 Forumite
    Hominu wrote: »
    Reported my license as stolen to DVLA and they charged me £17.50 for a replacement! It was exactly the same as the old one and then 6 months later had to pay again as they wanted me to update my photo! I now wished I never bothered.

    Pays to be on top of how licences work, if you had sent in a new photo when you lost it, then you wouldn't have been charged twice.

    When I lost mine I waited a bit and then changed photo, address and added entitlements all at the same time.
  • Littleweedj
    Littleweedj Posts: 213 Forumite
    [QUOTE
    Reported my license as stolen to DVLA and they charged me £17.50 for a replacement! It was exactly the same as the old one and then 6 months later had to pay again as they wanted me to update my photo! I now wished I never bothered.
    .[/QUOTE]

    That's what I heard also. Seems strange to replace a stolen license with the exact same details as before. Would seem more logical to cancel it and give completely new number etc on the new one. In that case it hardly seems worth reporting it and instead just change info with my new address.
  • Gromitt
    Gromitt Posts: 5,063 Forumite
    Thing is, most people don't use or care about the driver license number, they just look at your details printed on the card and accept it as a valid form of identification. Even if the card was cancelled, it would still be acceptable id in this sense.
  • SliAbhaile
    SliAbhaile Posts: 119 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    Hominu wrote: »
    then 6 months later had to pay again as they wanted me to update my photo!.

    Which is why I still have the old paper licence and will keep it until they move the goalposts and cancel them.
  • Yorkie1
    Yorkie1 Posts: 12,006 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    spam reported (salmongrima)
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