Fraudsters stealing wheelie bins to commit identity fraud

Fraudsters have been pinching wheelie bins in Aberdeenshire in order to commit identity fraud.

A number of residents in the Garioch area have had their bins either stolen or moved from their storage spot with their contents rifled through.

Police believe this has been done in order to obtain personal details.

A Police Scotland spokesperson warned: “Identity theft happens when fraudsters access enough information about someone’s identity, such as their name, date of birth, bank details, current or previous addresses to commit identity fraud.

“Fraudsters can use identity details to open bank accounts, obtain credit cards, loans and state benefits, order goods in your name, take over your existing accounts, take out mobile phone contracts, and obtain genuine documents such as passports and driving licences in your name.”

Take action against identity fraud

Keep all your important documents safe and secure.
When using a credit or debit card, make sure it’s never out of your sight.
Be wary if cash machines look as though they’ve been tampered with. Your cards could be skimmed and cloned.
Never give out your personal details when you’re contacted by phone, fax, post or email if you believe the request isn’t genuine. Always offer to ring back any suspicious callers but check the phone number you are given.
When throwing out documents which contain personal information, such as bank statements and utility bills, always try to shred them so that nobody could read your personal details.
Always check your bank and credit card statements and immediately report any transactions you don’t recognise, even small amounts.
Formally close all accounts you no longer need.
Move your mail when moving home by arranging with the Post Office to forward your mail to your new address. It’s important that you notify all relevant organisations of your change of address.

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