Lost bank statements - what measures should I undertake to prevent Identifty fraud

Shariq8

Hi - am facing a nightmare situation.

I was carrying some of my bank statements (from several different banks) in my bag and they fell out some where between home and work. Obviously these have mine and my wife's name and how much is in our accounts. I have taken the obvious measures (let the banks know, speak to lost property at the tube).

I'm worried about someone using the information on the statements to commit identity fraud. Apart from date of birth, all the other personal information is on the bank statements.

Can someone suggest tips to limit this possibility.

Thanks

cono1717

Short of cancelling your bank account and opening a new one that document is a valid source of identification. Luckily most places required two forms of different types (photocard driving licence with same address on for example) - keep an eye on your accounts and check Noddle.co.uk to see if any unidentified credit searches have been ran.

naedanger

Shariq8 wrote: »

Hi - am facing a nightmare situation.

I was carrying some of my bank statements (from several different banks) in my bag and they fell out some where between home and work. Obviously these have mine and my wife's name and how much is in our accounts. I have taken the obvious measures (let the banks know, speak to lost property at the tube).

I'm worried about someone using the information on the statements to commit identity fraud. Apart from date of birth, all the other personal information is on the bank statements.

Can someone suggest tips to limit this possibility.

Thanks

The risk seems very low to me.

Firstly the risk of them being found by someone who would want to steal your identity will be low. (Those stealing people's identities will tend to use other means to do so than waiting to find information in the streets.)

Secondly bank statements are usually only valid as a proof of address rather than a proof of identity (and then usually only with some other form of identity).

Lastly you have told your banks so they would have suggested further action (or taken further action themselves) if they were concerned that the information could be used to fraudulently withdraw money from your account.

macman

Do you not remember the days when we used to write cheques and put our addresses on the back? What info you have given the finder is little more than that-your account number and sort code are on every cheque you write (and, of course, your signature), and names and addresses are easily available from such sources as the electoral roll.
You might not want a stranger knowing the balance on your account, but it doesn't help them to commit ID fraud.

Shariq8

Thanks all

peachyprice

macman wrote: »

your account number and sort code are on every cheque you write (and, of course, your signature),

And on many debit cards too!

always_sunny

wouldn't the statement be valid only for 3 months anyway?

I would be annoyed because of my personal details (name/address/balance) being available to a stranger but that's about it.

For ID fraud they would need your iD. Realistically a print out is not so difficult to forge!
I don't think I would have even called the bank to let them know.