How Starbucks helps to fight identity fraud

Posted in 'Identity Theft' by Barry Stamp

19 January 2012

One of the nastiest types of identity fraud occurs when post is intercepted all along the same street. It’s really easy for companies like us to identify it, but a devil of a job to warn residents that they are under threat.

There’s absolutely no point in getting the Police involved, as identity fraud is not a priority for our hard-pressed constabulary, and even if it was, the Police won’t take action until an offence has been committed, by which time the horse has well and truly bolted.

Our main priority is to try to warn as many residents as possible, which we do by sending posters to local banks, libraries and suchlike. We must also say a big thank you to Starbucks who consistently help us to spread the word with our posters. We also try to grab local radio and press attention, but the hard truth is that identity fraud is never a sexy subject until it happens to you. Then it acquires a new level of urgency as victims scramble to find out what to do.

If post is being intercepted, chances are that the criminal behind the fraud is capable of creating real damage. The bank statements and credit card statements being intercepted daily are bread and butter to a fraudster, and if a new credit card, passport, or driving licence comes their way, then it’s time to break out the champagne.

We’ve been pressing the point for years now that identity fraud is overhyped but nevertheless it’s definitely over here. The only thing that consumers can do to reduce the risks of falling victim is to take steps to improve their personal security.

Our industry acclaimed handbook, which is used not only by us but is also licensed to our competitors for use in their own material, gives hundreds of tips on how to tighten up your privacy and to make you a much more difficult target for identity thieves. If you have a smart phone or a laptop or a pad, you can download the free Kindle app and then purchase the very latest digital version of handbook for just 77p including VAT and delivery. That’s less than half the cost of a skinny latte at Starbucks. Peace of mind, at your fingertips.