So, my identity's been stolen (as well as my money) - what should I do now?

[purpleturtle]

By combination of some very clever, but very dishonest person, and my own stupidity I have divulged the particulars of my online banking. A lot of money has been stolen from my savings account this week.

Almost by chance, I discovered it last night, and of course, I have reported it. My online account has been suspended, and the fraud team will investigate.

I will have to set up my banking with new id, password, etc. What else could/should I do?

you will have to check your bank account on a daily basis, change all your passwords for everything, shred everything you own with your details on ...

i say this from bitter experience ... my DH had his identity stolen and 4 years on we are still having issues - i would suggest you check everything - direct debits, stuff that may arrive from the Inland Revenue, post which comes to the house - just be super careful

Yep. Think I am developing a good case of paranoia anyway.

Is there any way to be proactive about stopping someone pretending to be me from, say, taking out credit cards in my name?

not sure you can be proactive in that sense which is why i suggest you check your account on a daily basis as we had DDs set up on our credit card and current account. Alert your bank that you have been the victim of identity fraud and if there is any suspicious activity like large cash or multiple cash withdrawals then to question them ... you will get it sorted but it may take time...

I would get your credit history from Experian / Equifax and have a note put on your credit file to say any attempts to take out credit should be refused - Have you seen this leaflet?

I am hopeful that as they were internet only accounts (which can't be used any other way) that freezing the online access will halt that.

Presumably, the bank's fraud team will put some kind of alert on its systems - I'll check that when I speak to them tomorrow.

Thanks for that link, tribpot. Looks very helpful - it looks like I might be able to register for extra checking when I apply for credit. (or anyone else, in my name)

Protective Registration - sounds like a good idea. Wish I'd known about it when my chequebook was stolen during a burglary at my house, although by stopping the chequebook I prevented two fraudulent cheques from being cashed. Sorry to hear you've been ripped off purpleturtle Hope you can get the money back.

I am assuming that as the leaflet from the bank about the account says that it guarantees that customers who fall victim to fraud will be reimbursed, that I will see my money again one day.

That is why I'm fairly calm about it all. Just quite that I fell for the scam. Looking back at the e-mail I responded to it's obviously not 'right'.

Although I'm tempted to sign up for protective registration asap, I think I'll just hold off till I've heard from the fraud team, who will presumably be able to advise me on all this. I should be able to speak to them tomorrow.

have just spoken to someone in the fraud department, who says I'll probably be reimbursed in 3-5 days! I'm astounded, having once put in an insurance claim for damage to my car (parked at the time) which took 18 months to resolve, and cost me money in the process.

So, money worries aside, I guess I just have to hope they don't use my details for some other nefarious purpose now.