NEARLY half of Britons say they have been victims of cybercrime at some point, so it’s really important to make sure you’re prepared if the worst happens.
According to a recent Norton Cyber Safety Insights report, these can be fraudulent text messages – which target about two in five adults – or questionable phishing scam emails (38%).
Identity card theft is one of the most damaging ways people are affected.
Norton experts shared with The Sun five essential things to do if you are a victim.
1. Change your passwords
It is important to change the passwords for all of your online accounts.
Otherwise, identity thieves could potentially access multiple accounts or even block you.
Check for any unusual or unexpected connections, which could tell you there is a problem.
However, your priority should be to secure all your accounts with new complex passwords and two-factor authentication.
2. File a claim with your insurer
If you suspect your identity has been stolen, you should file a claim with your identity theft insurer if you have one.
This can be a standalone policy or you can have this coverage as part of your home insurance.
Identity theft insurance can offset the substantial costs involved or help with legal fees that can result from identity theft.
3. Inform your bank
If you think one of your bank cards or accounts has been compromised, contact your bank, building society, or credit card provider immediately.
Most of them will have emergency numbers that you can use to check a charge, freeze your account, or cancel a card.
The sooner you act, the less damage a cybercriminal can do.
4. Alert the companies concerned
If you find a suspicious purchase on your card or discover that someone has used your name to open new accounts, you will need to follow up with the companies involved.
It is important to explain the situation to them, close any open accounts and gather all relevant information before talking to the authorities.
5. Connect with UK Fraud Prevention Service
The UK’s fraud prevention service, CIFAS, is an excellent port of call if you’ve been a victim of identity theft.
They can help you determine if it’s a scam, tell you what your next steps are, or suggest ways to get reimbursed for fees charged on your behalf.
It can be difficult to know what to do if your identity has been stolen, so expert advice can make a real difference.
Norton Identity Advisor Plus users would have access to an Identity Restoration Specialist who would guide you through these individual case specific steps.
This product helps individuals protect against identity theft with dark web monitoring, social media monitoring, credit features, and stolen wallet assistance, so individuals can act quickly if their information potentially ends up in the wrong hands.
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