Secure your possessions
A thief only needs a moment to make off with your valuables. Your coat hung up in a restaurant, your briefcase beside your chair, even your cheque book and cheque card left on the table while you pay the bill... all are vulnerable if you look away for a second. So try to be careful at all times.
Money & Plastic Cards
- Don't make it easy for pickpockets. Carry your wallet in an inside pocket, preferably one which can be fastened, not your back pocket. Ladies, make sure your purse is not on view in the shopping trolley, or at the top of your open handbag.
- Cash is a favourite target for thieves, so try to avoid carrying large amounts. When on holiday abroad, take travellers' cheques.
- If your credit card is stolen, tell the card company IMMEDIATELY. Keep the number handy. If you delay reporting the loss, it could lead to a crime being committed in your name, as a thief could make fraudulent use of your card. Thieves can use credit cards for telephone purchases.
- Always keep your cheque card separate from your chequebook; a thief needs both to write a cheque.
- Never carry the personal identification number (PIN) with your cash dispensing cards. Always memorise your number, and never disclose it, not even to bank staff or close friends, and try to have a different pin for each card.
- With chip and pin machines guard against overlooking when inputting your pin.
- Sign new plastic cards as soon as they arrive, and cut up old ones when they expire.
The Association for Payment Clearing Services, through its Card Watch campaign, offers practical advice on how to look after your plastic cards. See the Help page at the end of this section.
ATM Machines
Be aware that ATM machines are a lucrative source of money for thieves who merely have to wait until you have withdrawn your cash before moving in to relieve you of it. You should therefore take appropriate precautions when withdrawing money and be alert to your surroundings and persons present. If in doubt don’t withdraw the money, you can always come back.
Note that some machines are being tampered with to allow cloning of your card. Before inserting your card check to see that nothing has been added to the front of the machine, especially around the card insert slot. If you believe the machine has been tampered with, do not use it and tell the bank, out of hours inform the police.
To thwart the use of small camera’s to capture pin numbers (usually used in conjunction with the slot device) get in the habit of placing your free hand as a mask over the one tapping in your pin. You should also do this in shops and retail areas when using chip and pin devices to prevent onlookers acquiring knowledge of your pin.
Handbags
Never let your handbag out of your sight. On public transport, keep hold of it, with the clasp or zip shut so a thief cannot steal your purse. In the office, keep it in a drawer, or in a corner near you and out of sight. Even in a car, keep it out of sight – if you have the windows open or a door unlocked a thief may reach in when you stop in traffic.
Identity Theft
Beware of discarding information that can be used to identify you. Bills, letters, bank details, can all help to provide the information to create a clone of you. Shred or destroy personal information. Do not place intact information in the rubbish.
You can check with Experian on 0870241 6212 and ask for a copy of your annual credit report. This will show if you have more cards/debt than you should have.
Passports
Only carry your passport when you need to. Thieves can sell stolen passports, and replacing them takes time and trouble.
Mobile Phones
Theft of mobile phones is common in some areas, but you can help to minimise the risk. Keep your phone out of sight, whether in the car or in the street.
If your phone is lost or stolen, call your network provider (See Help & Contacts) or 08701 123 123 and explain what’s happened. The network will immediately deactivate your SIM card. Also provide details of your phones unique IMEI number as this will allow all networks to bar your phone.
Your IMEI number is obtained by pressing *#06# on your mobile. This will show you a serial number you should write this down and keep it safe.