How to protect yourself from ID fraud

Taken from the You Magazine:

• Check your credit profile regularly with credit bureaus such as Experian (0861 105 665) or Transunion (0861 482 482). On average, victims discover a problem only 14 months after fraud began.
• Don’t leave ID documents, copies of them or other personal information lying around.
• Report the theft or loss of ID documents to the police immediately. Get a case number and advise your bank and the firms where you have accounts. You could then register with SAFPS (0861 101 248) to prevent fraud involving your ID details. They liaise with 90% of financial institutions and retailers.
• Investigate promptly if you stop receiving regular accounts.
• Don’t supply your ID details to anyone unless it’s essential and you know you can trust the organisation. The practise of everyone making copies of your ID document is not needed.
• You’re not in any way obliged to supply your ID number to everyone with whom you do business. Don’t supply your ID number on the internet if you’re just buying something from a retailer.
• Be cautious at work. Your HR department is entitled to have your ID number, but it shouldn’t be circulated to everyone.
• Never leave your ID with security guards.

Just some useful tips for the ever increasing practise of ID fraud here in South Africa.