Saffron Walden residents urged to safeguard against fraudsters

FRAUDSTERS are stealing mail from Saffron Walden homes and using the information to make bogus credit card claims, police have warned.

The number of cases of identity theft occurring in the town and throughout the Uttlesford district has risen significantly.

Insp Kevin Wakefield from Saffron Walden Police Station said: "It would seem that people are being targeted by the amount of available data which appears about them on the internet.

"Identity thieves have been obtaining information about high-profile people and then stealing their mail from their letterbox."

There have been several cases of this type of theft in Saffron Walden which have led to bogus applications for loans and credit cards being made. Police are now calling for people to make sure their mail is secure, especially if they live in an area with a shared mail facility or if they have a lot of information on the internet.

"We would urge people to minimise the opportunity for thieves to commit this type of crime," said Insp Wakefield. "When identity fraud takes place the thieves can quickly run up a large amount of money.

"Where ever you receive your mail, make sure it is secure - don't leave yourself exposed."

Mail can be kept safe by using a lockable postbox and collecting mail as regularly as possible. Fraudsters may try to redirect your mail without your permission. If you suspect your mail is being stolen or whether a mail redirection application has been made in your name without your knowledge contact Royal Mail Customer Care on 08457 740740.

It is a good idea to check your credit report regularly to ensure no accounts or credit has been illegally set up in your name. Regular monitoring of your credit report will alert you if someone has been using your identity to obtain credit.

For more information about how to protect yourself from identity fraud visit www.stop-idfraud.co.uk