IDENTITY FRAUD ON THE INCREASE

You are more likely to suffer from Identity Fraud if you are a tenant or landlord of a rented accommodation. Tenants and Landlords are being warned to make sure they forward their mail when moving property.

The UK’s fraud prevention service CIFAS reported an increase of 32 per cent in the number of identity thefts committed during the recession. One of the most common types of fraud is criminals taking over the running of a victim’s bank account.

Tenantsin rented property and landlords are at a greater risk of this type of crime as they are more likely to share communal spaces such as hallways where mail can be easily intercepted, or they move more frequently making it harder keep track of confidential post. According to the findings, credit card statements, tax credit information, and pension details are just some of the important papers left to the mercy of strangers in communal accommodation.

Over 85% of tenants claim to have received post for former residents. Below are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

• Register your title to the property at the Land Registry with a current address for service.
• Register a restriction on your property title if you feel at risk.
• Ensure all financial information and other personal documentation is addressed to your current home rather your rental property.
• Following a void period ensure utility bills are put into tenants' names and remove all post at the rental property which is addressed to you.
• Remove all personal documentation and belongings from the property prior to showing prospective tenants around.
• Check bank statements and credit card bills regularly, and investigate and report unusual entries.
• Use a shredder to destroy personal documentation which you no longer require.
• Arrange for your post to be redirected from the rental property.
• Store personal documents, passwords and usernames in a secure place.
• Obtain a credit rating every six months and be alert to false credit applications made in your name.
• Register with a mailing preference service so your name is removed from direct mailing lists.

If you live in a rented property and suspect your mail is being stolen, contact the Royal Mail customer enquiry Line and check whether a mail redirection order has been made in your name without your knowledge.

You can also apply for an identity fraud protection policy to insure you against the consequences of identity fraud and resolve your credit status.