In today's digital age, protecting our personal information is of utmost importance.
One crucial piece of information that holds significant value is our National Insurance number. But have you ever wondered what can someone do with your National Insurance number? Especially if it falls into the wrong hands?
In this insight, we will explore the potential risks and consequences of a stolen national insurance number. We will also provide you with practical tips on how to protect yourself from falling victim to scams and identity theft.
Someone can use your National Insurance number for identity theft, financial fraud, employment fraud, and medical fraud. To protect yourself, question unexpected calls and emails, be cautious with spoofed phone numbers and phishing emails, research job opportunities, report suspicious activity, and stay informed.
Specific actions with a compromised National Insurance number:
Criminals are constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals and trick them into sharing their personal information. One prevalent scam that has been on the rise is the National Insurance number scam.
The scam typically starts with an automated phone call from a fraudster claiming that your National Insurance number has been compromised. They may instruct you to press a specific number on your phone keypad, leading you to a scammer who will then proceed to convince you that your National Insurance number has been used for fraudulent activities.
To gain your trust, the scammer will ask you to provide personal details under the guise of "security" measures. They may even threaten fines or arrest if you refuse to comply. In some cases, the scammer may go as far as requesting payment to stop a warrant they claim has been issued for your arrest.
Once they have gathered all the necessary information, they assure you that a new National Insurance number will be sent to you in the post.
You might be wondering, what can someone actually do with my National Insurance number? While the number itself may not seem valuable, when combined with other personal information obtained through data breaches, social media, or phishing emails, it can be used for various illicit activities.
One of the most significant risks is identity theft.
With your National Insurance number, fraudsters can assume your identity and carry out fraudulent activities in your name. They may open bank accounts, apply for credit cards or loans, and even claim government benefits under your identity. These actions can have a detrimental impact on your finances and credit file, making it difficult for you to obtain loans, credit cards, or even a mortgage in the future.
To check if you have ever been impacted by identity fraud, you will need to check your credit report. Read how to check your credit score for free here.
It is crucial to be vigilant and take proactive measures to protect yourself from falling victim to National Insurance number scams and identity theft. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Always be cautious when receiving unexpected calls or emails asking for personal information. Remember that genuine organisations would not pressure you to provide your National Insurance number or other personal details over the phone.
If you receive a call claiming to be from a reputable company, hang up and call back using the official contact information found on their website.
Keep all your important and personal documents locked away, particularly if you live in shared accomodation. You can easily buy a small lockbox from amazon where you can keep important documents like your passport, drivers licence and national insurance card.
Criminals can spoof phone numbers to make it appear as though they are calling from legitimate companies. To verify the authenticity of a call, never rely solely on the phone number or caller ID. Instead, independently research the company's contact details and call them back using the verified information.
Phishing emails are another common method used by fraudsters to obtain personal information. Be cautious when receiving emails that request sensitive data, even if they appear to be from trusted sources.
Double-check the email address and look for any spelling or grammar errors that may indicate a fraudulent email. If in doubt, contact the organisation directly using their official contact information.
Be cautious when applying for jobs online, as scammers may set up fake recruitment websites to collect personal information. Before applying for a job, research the company on review websites like Glassdoor to see if there are any red flags.
Additionally, be wary of job postings with poor spelling and grammar, as these can be indicators of fraudulent activity.
If you believe you have been targeted or have fallen victim to a National Insurance number scam, it is crucial to report it. Contact Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, to report the incident.
Additionally, notify your bank if you suspect that you have provided any financial information to scammers.
Keep yourself updated on the latest scam protection information by visiting reputable sources such as Take Five, an organisation dedicated to preventing fraud. Follow them on social media to stay informed about the latest trends and scams.
By following these precautions and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to National Insurance number scams and identity theft.
If you suspect that someone is using your National Insurance number fraudulently, you should take immediate action to protect yourself. Here's what you can do:
Remember, your personal information is valuable and should be protected. Stay informed, be cautious, and report any suspicious activity to help prevent fraud and protect yourself from the potential consequences of identity theft.
For more best practice on protecting yourself, read our insights:
For more information and resources on protecting yourself from scams and identity theft, visit the Action Fraud website and explore their A-Z of fraud section.
Additional Information: It is important to regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. Consider subscribing to a credit monitoring service, such as Checkmyfile, which can alert you to any changes or new accounts opened in your name.
Stuart is an expert in Property, Money, Banking & Finance, having worked in retail and investment banking for 10+ years before founding Sunny Avenue. Stuart has spent his career studying finance. He holds qualifications in financial studies, mortgage advice & practice, banking operations, dealing & financial markets, derivatives, securities & investments.
