Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge to open accounts, apply for credit, or commit fraud in your name. A few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.
Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information and uses it to impersonate you, opening bank accounts, applying for loans or credit cards, or purchasing goods without your knowledge. Information can be taken from intercepted post, discarded documents, data breaches, or through phishing emails and vishing calls.
The rise of social media has made this easier for criminals. The more personal information you share publicly, your address, workplace, date of birth, school, or job title, the more material someone has to impersonate you or answer security questions on your behalf.
Never share personal details such as your PPS number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, or banking information in response to an unsolicited call, email, or text message. If you receive an unexpected request for this kind of information, treat it as suspicious regardless of who it claims to be from.
When it comes to social media, think carefully before making personal details public. Review your privacy settings regularly and be selective about who can see your profile. Be cautious when communicating with people you don’t know online, and never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
Your PIN is just as valuable as your card. Choose a PIN and passwords that aren’t easy to guess, avoid dates of birth, pet names, or anything that appears on your social media. Memorise your PIN and never write it down or share it with anyone, including family members. Use a different password for your oline banking than you use elsewhere.
Keep your devices secure. Update your phone and computer operating system regularly, as security patches address vulnerabilities that criminals actively exploit. Use biometric login or a strong PIN on all devices, and never leave a device unattended while you’re logged in to your online banking.
Store passports, driving licences, and financial documents in a secure location at home. If you live in shared or communal accommodation, protect post containing bank statements or official correspondence, and redirect your mail immediately if you move address, then notify PTSB and all other financial institutions. Step-by-step guide on updating your home address through Open24 Online Banking.
Before discarding anything, shred documents that contain personal information. This includes bank statements, utility bills, pre-approved credit applications, insurance documents, and receipts. Cross-cut shredding is recommended. Cut up expired bank and credit cards before throwing them away.
The following pages cover the most common online threats in detail.
Remember, PTSB will never call, email or text you asking for your account details, your Open24 number, Internet Password, Personal Access Number (PAN), Visa Card CVV number, or One Time Passcode. If you ever get an unsolicited phone call, email, text message or pop-up asking for any of these please contact us on +353 (1) 669 5851. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Identity theft is not always immediately obvious. Contact PTSB and your other financial institutions straight away if you receive unexpected correspondence from banks, solicitors, or debt collectors you don’t recognise, or if you’re refused a financial product despite having a good credit history.
Other warning signs include receiving bills for goods you never ordered, being told you’re already claiming a state benefit when you’ve never applied, or discovering that a mobile phone contract or financial account has been opened in your name. If your bank or credit card statement stops arriving, or if you lose a passport or driving licence, report it immediately.
You can request a copy of your credit report from the Central Credit Register to check for accounts or applications made in your name.
Act quickly. The sooner you report it, the better the outcome.
PPS numbers, dates of birth, and mother’s maiden name are particularly valuable because they are widely used for identity verification by financial institutions and government services. Passport and driving licence numbers are also high-value targets.
Yes. You can check your email address at haveibeenpwned.com. It's a free service that tracks known data breaches. If your email appears in a breach, change the password for that account and for any other accounts where you use the same password.
The Central Credit Register is maintained by the Central Bank of Ireland and holds credit records for individuals in Ireland. You can request a copy of your credit report at ccr.ie. Reviewing it regularly is one of the most reliable ways to spot accounts or applications you didn’t make.
No. Public Wi-Fi (even networks requiring a password) can be intercepted. Use your mobile data connection for banking when you’re away from home.
Report the loss to the Gardaí and get a crime reference number. For a passport, contact the Department of Foreign Affairs. For a driving licence, contact the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS).
