Protecting your identity

According to figures published by the Home Office in 2008, the cost of identity fraud in the UK is currently running at 1.2 billion a year, that's around £25 for every adult in Britain. Identity theft has become one of the UK's fastest growing crimes with a quarter of the population either having been affected by identity theft or knows someone who has, yet over 21 million of us still don't do enough to protect ourselves. Identity theft can also be a distressing or emotional time, because it takes away your control over your own affairs and can damage your reputation. However, by taking a few sensible precautions and managing your personal information carefully, you can substantially reduce the likelihood of falling victim to this rising crime.

 Safety in numbers 

• Try not to use a security code or PIN that could easily be guessed by a fraudster, for example your date of birth.
• Do not disclose your security code, Secure Personal Information or PIN number in response to emails, telephone calls, text messages or any unsolicited correspondence claiming to be from your bank, the police or any legitimate organisation.
• The Co-operative Bank will only ever ask you for two digits of your security code over the telephone or when logging onto the Internet Banking Service by the use of a drop down box.
• Never write down your password, Internet login details or PIN number.
• Change your security information immediately if you suspect that anyone else may have gained access to them.

Don't leave a paper trail

• Keep track of when your statements are due.
• Look at your bank and credit card statements regularly and immediately report and transactions you do not recognise.
• Shred or discard securely any personal information, including bank statements, credit card receipts and utility bills.
• When you are on holiday ensure your post will be kept safe.
• If you move, make sure your post is redirected to your new address as soon as possible.
• If you receive mail to your address that is addressed to you but does not belong to you, please inform the sender immediately.

There's value in information

• Always keep your card in your possession and never let it out of your sight.
• Restrict what information you carry around with you in your handbag or wallet.
• When using a cash machine or using your card in a shop, beware of anyone trying to watch you enter your PIN.
• Only deal with reputable companies when using your card for purchases over the phone or through the internet.
• Check your sales voucher to make sure the total is correct and complete before you enter your PIN. Keep your copy safe.
• Telephone us immediately if your cards are lost or stolen on 0845 600 6000.
• If you are expecting a card or PIN to be sent and you don't receive it in the expected timescales then please contact the issuer to report it. Let us know if you are expecting a Co-operative card or PIN to be sent and you don't receive it in the expected timescales.