Identity theft

Identity theft occurs when fraudsters use your personal information without your knowledge or consent to take out bank accounts, credit cards, loans, state benefits and documents, such as passports and driving licenses in your name. Your identity and personal details are very important for a variety of reasons. If these are compromised by criminals, you may only discover financial crime when you receive letters seeking repayment of debts you haven't incurred, or you find an unexplained credit in your bank account.

It can have very serious consequences on your personal life and finances. For example, you may have difficulty getting loans, credit cards or a mortgage until the problem is sorted out.

Keep your identity secure

Advice on protecting yourself:

Keep valuable documents secure

It's vital you look after any identity document such as your passport and driving licence. Always make sure they are in your possession, whether at home, at work or on holiday. When you're not using them, keep them in a locked drawer or safe at home. Remember, don’t keep your chequebooks and bank cards together – store them separately.

Destroy all unwanted paperwork

Don't help criminals. Always destroy all important personal and financial paperwork when you don't need it any longer - preferably using a cross-cut shredder for additional security. If you don't do this, criminals could establish your name, address and other details by going through your household rubbish and can use the information to apply for credit, goods or services in your name.

Paperwork to destroy includes:

• Old bank, credit card and financial statements
• Old credit card receipts
• Any partly completed application forms carrying your personal details
• Any document with your name and address on them
• Also, don't forget to destroy all unwanted plastic cards which have your details on them

Keep Ecobank updated

Ecobank may need to contact you from time to time to confirm details of certain transactions on your account, should they look unusual in comparison with routine items normally seen. This can significantly reduce the impact of financial crime. If you change your name, address or contact telephone numbers (including your mobile number), please let us know immediately.