does it matter if anyone finds out your national insurance number?

[Jssy]

Basically I lost an 8gb usb stick on way home tonight and it had my CV saved to it and a job application with all my details AND my national insurance number. Could someone like commit identity fraud with just that? I was more pissed off about losing the 8gb usb stick then I realised all my details are saved to it urgh :(

Thread Moved by Lee (Forum Moderator): From 'Discuss Anything.'

[Samantha]

Surely not could they? The insurance number is unique to you so one search of that then they would realise it wasn't you (unless they used your name) wouldn't they?

[Jssy]

I'm not sure ;s I'm probs over reacting but my mum started going on about identity fraud D:

[lawrawrrr]

They could technically, but I don't think it's possible with just the national insurance number...

[Jordan]

When I got my letter with my number in it said:

"knowledge of your national insurance number might help someone steal your identity"

So yeah it's possible I guess but I dont know they use it?

[MKR&*42]

They could technically, but I don't think it's possible with just the national insurance number...

This ^

They warn you not to give it out to just random people because if someone has your NI number, they're almost halfway there to gaining your identity and committing fraud. They can't solely use your NI number, but if they managed to gain another form of ID then they could end up doing some damage potentially.

NI number alone shouldn't be an issue though lol.

[Futz]

it'll be inlikely somone will find it that will want to steal your identity but just hope for the best they might be super nice and return it to you

[:odey:]

It depends,
I suppose someone could do things with just a National Insurance number, especially if they have your name and everything to back it up,
Not sure what they'd want to do with it though,

Hope you get it returned :(!

[Shockwave.2CC]

@Jssy (http://www.habboxforum.com/member.php?u=59399);

Identity fraud happens when fraudsters use a false identity or somebody else’s identity details to support their criminal activities by obtaining goods or services through deception. Identity fraud also happens when criminals use genuine but falsely obtained documents, such as passports or national insurance cards, to travel or obtain services under someone else’s identity.

[Jssy]

I went to police station and someone handed it in woohoo :D Was not expecting that! There are some honest people in my town afterall :)

[Dean]

I went to police station and someone handed it in woohoo :D Was not expecting that! There are some honest people in my town afterall :)

NI can be used for fraud yes but unlikely. You're lucky though!

[-Danube-]

Glad to see you got the stick back.

But yes an NI number can be used and i feel it's quite valuable to a fraudster.

Passports and other official documents are relatively easy to make fake copies of under another name but your NI number is unique to yourself and is hard to fake.

An NI number is often needed when opening a bank account (like and ISA) or credit card. A bank will often ask for your NI number, a passport and some kind of utility bill or letter with your name and address at the top. The latter are both normal things which fraudsters easily fake, but with your NI number they can do a little more. For example they could open an ISA account in your name using your NI number and then they would be able to use your tax free savings allowance for that year without you knowing. Doesn't sound like a very profitable scam but if a person was to open many ISA accounts at different banks they could easily end up being able to store money being used for crime in Tax-free accounts, leading to more money being used for crime.