Prevent Identity Theft
These days, identity theft is an ever-increasing problem. Just the other day, I saw someone digging in my neighbour's paper recycling bin, a crime that's unfortunately becoming more common.
According to members of CIFAS, the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, during the first quarter of 2012 it was confirmed that the abuse of identity details, such as dates of birth and postcodes now accounts for two thirds of all frauds.
Many people do not realise such common and basic details could be used to steal your identity.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft and fraud is the use of a stolen identity in criminal activity to obtain identification, goods or services by deception and is frequently tied to organised crime. If someone steals enough information about you, they can use it to:
- Open bank accounts and credit cards, loans and even register for benefits
- Order goods in your name
- Open mobile phone contracts
- Obtain driving licence, passports and identity cards
- Take over your own bank accounts, mobile phone contracts, and credit cards
On average, it takes nearly a year for identity fraud to be discovered by the victim. The first you know of it may be when you receive bills or invoices for things you haven’t ordered, when you receive letters from solicitors or debt collectors for debts that aren’t yours, or try to renew your passport and are unable to do so. Victims of identity theft often find they're turned down for mortgages or loans, despite having excellent credit ratings, due to the actions of fraudsters.
How can I prevent identity theft?
To help prevent identity theft, it is prudent to shred and properly destroy all documents that contain:
- your name
- your current address (even just your postcode)
- your previous address(es)
and all documents such as:
- anything from a financial institution
- utility bills
- receipts with your debit or credit card details - even if it is just the last four numbers
You should also arrange for the post office to redirect your mail once you have moved home. Where I live, credit card offers and other financial junk mail arrive every week for previous residents - a golden opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage.
Be aware that the identities of those who have passed away are also vulnerable to being taken over by fraudsters. Make sure to have them removed from any mailing lists, and protect their identity just as you would your own. The Bereavement Register offers a service to assist you with this.
Removing the effects of identity theft is a frustrating, time consuming and expensive process. Prevention, in this case, is truly better than the cure. If you think you've been the victim of identity theft, contact Action Fraud.
Removal quote appointment booking service
Britannia Bradshaw can help your move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 0161 877 5555 (Manchester) or 0121 504 0966 (Birmingham & Coventry) and speak with one of our removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
They were all excellent
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Online reviews & word of mouth from others who recommended Britannia removals
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Best service, trusted reviews, competitive (and realistic) quote.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
They were all excellent, especially Antony & John
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Slightly convoluted mix of online forms and email etc which was a little confusing - but in general, very little to improve. Great service all round.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
They clearly knew what they were doing
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I had heard of Britannia as a reputable removal company
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
8/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
8/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
The people I dealt with gave me a lot of confidence that we would receive good service. Of the companies I would have been happy to go with, Britannia were the cheapest.
How would you rate your move team?
9/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Alistair, Tom and Tony were great. They clearly knew what they were doing, and packed/loaded efficiently and carefully. They made the whole process very easy for us. Thank you!
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How can we improve our service?
Maybe a reminder email a day or two before the move, just to reassure the customer that it's still all booked in, and a reminder of what time the team is expected to arrive?
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Good value
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Internet
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Good value
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
You can't
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
They made a stressful situation fun
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Recommended
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Reasonable price and personal safety and well-being
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
The guys were amazing and couldn’t do enough for me. They put me at ease and worked so hard.
George, Andy, Kane and Mike G were my super heroes I can honestly not thank them enough . They made a stressful situation fun. Thanks guys J
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Don’t load the fridge with the milk in before I’ve made you all a brew!!
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Start of my new life off to a wonderful start thanks to the guys xxx
UK Quote
Complete the form below to get your UK Removals quotation
European Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your European Removals quotation
International Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your International Removals quotation
Call Me Back
Complete the form below and we'll call you back to discuss your requirements
Self Storage
Complete the form below to get your Self Storage quotation
UK Price Guide
Complete the form below to get a Price Guide sent to you
Please note: Our Price Guide tool is intended for moves within the UK Mainland only. If you're moving to or from the UK mainland please speak to one of our friendly team who will be able to provide you with a bespoke quote.
© Britannia Bradshaw Removals & Storage 2024.
Registered in England 00719614
Bradshaw International is a trading name of John Bradshaw and Son Limited
An indicoll website
Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclaimerAccessibility