Identity theft: the phenomenon

Which? is not alone in voicing its concerns about the issue of identity theft. Capital One, for example, recently launched a high profile media campaign concerning credit card fraud. In addition, the Home Office has its own web site which is exclusively dedicated to providing advice on avoiding identity fraud (to be found at www.identitytheft.org.uk), while there are currently a number of other web sites providing salient advice on avoiding the phishing scams which constantly plague Internet users.

Many people are (purposefully) extremely cautious about using their details on the Internet. However, identity theft goes beyond stealing personal details in electronic form. Individuals can fall foul of identity thieves by being careless about throwing away their paper waste. ‘Bin raiding’ is a phenomenon which has become increasingly prevalent in the UK. It’s as easy as it sounds, too, with thieves simply delving through rubbish bags left on the street or in the alleyway for collection.

Businesses should be particularly cautious about ‘bin raiding’ as a trend because, beyond the obvious financial implications of releasing confidential information to thieves, the damage to a company’s reputation could be irrevocable.

Research has shown that businesses discard an alarming quantity of confidential information, including clients’ personal details, bank account numbers and directors’ signatures. If customers were aware of such activity, their reluctance to trust that business again would be totally understandable.

The BSIA’s waste audit checklist

Combating the risk of identity theft as a result of ‘bin raiding’ may be simply achieved by using a professional information destruction company. The BSIA member companies that provide these services comply with a BSIA Security Shredding Standard (which is currently being developed into a British Standard), and will shred all confidential information.

To assist businesses in deciding whether their disposal procedures are comprehensive (or otherwise), the BSIA’s Information Destruction Section has just launched a waste audit checklist. In addition to the waste audit, the checklist outlines those traits businesses should be looking for when choosing a reputable shredding and recycling contractor.

With identity theft an escalating problem, companies are advised to act NOW to protect themselves, their finances and their reputation.