Junk mail can cause bankruptcy
We could be leaving ourselves wide open to fraudsters and bankruptcy simply by throwing our junk mail away.
Over 100,000 households become victims of identity fraud each year and two in ten are victims simply by throwing away unopened junk mail. People are unaware that a name and address is the only information a fraudster needs to start running up debt in their name.
Over 15 billion junk letters are sent out each year so it is hardly surprising that 49,000 letters end up unopened in our waste bins. Investing in a shredder will help you to dispose of those little blighters just as quickly and also keep the hands of the fraudster at bay.
Moving home can also leave behind a treasure trove of information for fraudsters as we often forget to tell banks, utility companies, mail order catalogues and the local council for over two weeks. We need to be vigilant about this as the people who have moved into your home may not bother to forward mail on and debt could accumulate through simple forgetfulness and the greed of a thief.
To prevent a fraudster running up continuous debt on your accounts be sceptical of any welcome letters that you receive from loan/credit card companies that you have not signed up to. If you receive calls from debt collection companies, listen to what they have to say as they may be chasing you for a debt that you never ran up.
One way to keep on top of your finances is to make a note of the dates that your bills arrive. This way, if they do not turn up at your new address, you can chase them up.
If you are moving, use the Royal Mail redirection service which will automatically redirect mail to go to your new address.
Usefull bankruptcy and IVA links:
Debt Free Direct
IVA and Bankruptcy News posted on 17/09/2007 11:03:38
|
