Close down the conmen

• Secure sensitive blank documents. This does not only include the obvious ones such as cheques. A blank company letterhead can also be very dangerous if it makes it into the wrong hands;

• Ensure all waste documentation is destroyed (e.g. shredded, ripped up into small pieces or burned) rather than thrown away. Dustbins are a lucrative source of information for identity thieves;

• Speak to the bank immediately to see why statements or other bank documents fail to arrive as expected;

• Contact the post office to see whether a mail redirection has been put in place on your mail if you think you are the victim of fraud; and

• Ensure a mail redirection is put in place – preferably for at least 12 months when changing address.

Individuals should also:

• Be careful when handing out personal details – the walls have ears;

• Do not place personal details onto the web (e.g. onto a personal web page);

• Do not respond to unsolicited job offers asking for a CV; and

• If possible search Companies House records to see whether your details have been used without your knowledge.

Companies should also:

• Scrutinise staff application forms and CVs for any anomalies, even minor ones;

• Ask for original documents when screening suppliers, customers, staff;

• Carry out adequate screening of potential corporate customers. This should include obtaining and scrutinising accounts and Companies House returns. Director details should be carefully checked. Ask whether they are directors of other companies and whether all the details correspond (e.g. home address and signatures); and

• Monitor the web to identify websites with a similar name or look to ensure your website is not being mirrored.