Councillor goes postal as he falls victim to identity theft

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http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Counc ... 3953664.jp

By ALAN RODEN
A CITY councillor today revealed that he has been the victim of identity theft after his credit card statement was redirected to an address in London.
Tory councillor Alastair Paisley returned from holiday to discover that Royal Mail had forwarded all his personal letters to a house in the east end of the UK capital.

The police have now been informed and Royal Mail is carrying out an investigation as a "matter of urgency".

The veteran Pentland Hills politician said 12 bundles of post had been redirected from his Juniper Green home, including his Barclaycard statement and possibly letters from constituents.

No unauthorised transactions have been carried out on the credit card, but Cllr Paisley has taken out insurance in case anyone sets up another account in his name.

It is thought the culprits may have been attempting a type of identity theft known as "account take-over", which happens when a fraudster gets hold of credit card details.

The account is then hijacked and the offender may order a new card or change certain account details, such as the address.

According to the electoral register, the home in London – on Tunmarsh Lane in Newham, close to West Ham's Upton Park football ground – is occupied by eight residents, all with different surnames.

Cllr Paisley said today: "I came home from holiday, and usually there would be a bundle of letters waiting for me – but the only post was for my wife. However, there was a card from the Royal Mail to say my post had been redirected to London, but I didn't authorise this. I'm very concerned Royal Mail carried out this redirection without checking.

"I've had to take out insurance and report this to the police.

"People know where I live so I get letters about things like potholes, so (the culprits] are entitled to all the begging letters, but I was concerned when I realised my Barclaycard statement hadn't arrived."

It is understood the redirection was arranged over the internet. According to the Royal Mail, this should only be possible "subject to successful verification of your identity".

Applicants need to supply a date of birth, and an independent credit check is carried out to validate a person's identity.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said today: "We are investigating this situation as a matter of urgency. Cllr Paisley has contacted our redirection centre in Stoke and been advised of the procedures he now needs to follow to allow us to cancel this redirection.

"The police have been informed of this matter and Royal Mail will assist them with any enquiries."

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police said all reports of identity theft are investigated. She added: "We urge people to be aware of any mail they think might have gone missing, such as a bank statement that doesn't arrive."

COMMON SENSE METHODS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ACCOUNT ATTACK

HERE'S how to reduce the risk of "account take-over":


9 Shred items that contain personal details, such as statements and receipts.

• If you suspect your mail is being stolen, contact the Royal Mail and check whether a redirection order has been made in your name.

• Be extra careful if you live in a property where other people could have access to your mail.

• If you do not receive expected documents, such as bank or card statements, contact the provider.

• If you are concerned you may have been a victim, request your own credit file – contact your bank for details.

• Don't use the same password for more than one account and never use banking passwords for other websites.

• Keep your passwords safe and never record or store them in a manner which leaves them open to theft, such as in your purse or wallet.

• Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.


The full article contains 653 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Last Updated: 07 April 2008 11:41 AM

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