Child benefit records lost
21 November 2007
I am one of the reported 25 million who receives child benefit into their bank account and therefore my details were on the ‘lost discs’. I heard this on the news last night and to be honest my first thought was not to panic. I wondered if I should? In the wrong hands the passwords protecting the discs could be hacked and then who knows? For now I’m not particularly concerned, but then my details haven’t yet been used!
The advise so far is as follows:
- check your bank accounts regularly for any unauthorised transactions.
- change your passwords if they include your children’s names or any other details that were included on these discs - name, date of birth, National Insurance Number, address etc
- contact your bank or building society if you see any transactions that are unfamiliar.
If any fraudulent transactions occur weare being told that they will be reimbursed.
As flippant as it may sound there is little else we can do. I feel for the person who posted the discs, who is reported to have resigned today.
For more information you can read here on the BBC news website. A special helpline has also been set up for anyone who is worried, which is 0845 302 1444.
In the meantime I will continue to check my account daily as I always have done and sit and wait to see what happens next.
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