A word about terminology
What is an information leak?
An information leak is when personal data or other confidential information falls into the hands of a third party. Information leaks may occur deliberately or accidentally. For example, a letter that is accidentally sent to the wrong person may be an information leak, even if nobody suffers loss or damage as a result.
What is a data breach?
A data breach occurs when someone breaks into a company’s information system and steals confidential information stored on it, possibly with criminal intent.
What is phishing?
People may also attempt to obtain information from you via fraudulent emails, messages or phone calls. Often, the purpose of phishing is to trick you into revealing your online banking credentials or payment card details.
What is identity theft?
If your personal data falls into the wrong hands, a criminal may attempt to use the data to steal your identity.
Identity theft means that a criminal uses another person’s identity without authorisation, causing harm to the victim. Identity thefts often result in financial loss: stolen information can be used for purposes such as attempting to borrow money or order goods in another person’s name. This is fraud.
Do you suspect that your personal information has been leaked?
Contact your bank or the card-blocking service immediately if the leaked information includes all or part of your online banking credentials or all or part of your payment card number. Notify your bank if you have lost your personal ID document or a copy of the document.
- Report a criminal offence if you know or suspect that someone has used your personal or banking details.
- Follow the instructions you receive from the authorities.
- Monitor the transactions on your account and exercise ordinary caution.
- Leaked personal data may also be used to attempt phishing or for spam. Exercise caution if you receive a phone call or message from an unknown number.
- You could also consider making your phone number private. Consider changing your phone number if you receive phone calls or messages that are intrusive or appear to be attempts at deception.
Do you suspect you are the victim of identity theft?
There may be cause to suspect identity theft if you notice any unknown payment beneficiaries on your account statement or credit card bill or if you receive invoices for goods or services that you did not order.
Reporting a crime
Report the offence to the police.
Contact the bank
Contact your bank or the card-blocking service immediately if the leaked information includes all or part of your online banking credentials or all or part of your payment card number. Notify your bank if you have lost your personal ID document or a copy of the document.
Passwords
If any passwords fall into the wrong hands, change them on all of the services where you use them. Use different passwords for different services. Enable two-factor authentication on services that offer it.
Declaring a credit stoppage
In addition, you can prevent new loans from being taken out in your name by declaring a voluntary credit stoppage, which is subject to charge. You will receive a separate note indicating your creditworthiness despite the voluntary credit stoppage. However, keep in mind that not every service provider checks customers’ credit records when making contracts such as hire purchase agreements.
- Declare a credit stoppage with Suomen Asiakastieto subject to charge
- Declare a credit stoppage with Bisnode subject to charge
Insurance cover
Contact your insurance company when the pre-trial investigation of the criminal case has ended and the matter has been submitted for legal proceedings.
The legal expenses insurance included in Pohjola Insurance’s home insurance also covers the costs of legal representation and court proceedings in the event of identity theft.
The OP-Visa Platinum card include identity theft protection, which helps to identify the harm caused by identity theft.