Top ten tips to prevent public sector fraud

Shredding confidential data is the best way for public sector organisations to keep people safe from identity fraud, according to experts.

Recent high profile losses of personal data from government agencies means that public bodies need to work on encouraging public trust in their safety. The Government has responded by publishing guidelines called ‘Data Handling Procedures in Government’ and ‘Local Government Data Handling Guidelines’.

Shred Easy, one of the UK’s biggest confidential data destruction companies, is urging public sector organisations to step up their security.

Jim Watson, managing director of Shred Easy, whose clients include city councils and local authorities, said: “Public sector organisations must lead the fight against identity theft and safeguard people’s personal data as well as that belonging to the council. Fraud is on the increase and as businesses tighten their procedures public sector bodies will be targeted by criminals.

“Creating or updating a confidential data policy must be a priority for local councils and other public sector bodies. It’s not just confidential paper documents that need to be securely destroyed but computer hardware such as disk drives and data sticks.”

“With little knowledge or effort, a fraudster can acquire all manner of sensitive data from people’s bank accounts to commercially sensitive data submitted by companies perhaps during a tender process.”

Shred Easy has produced ten top tips to help public sector organisations preventing fraud:

• Create a confidential data policy – if you don’t have one already you are already in the high risk category for being a victim of data theft.
• Store data safely – don’t assume that bagging it up is the end of the matter. Criminals have rich pickings outside premises where confidential data has been poorly disposed.
• Destroy data properly – arrange for a professional company to help store, collect and securely destroy information. Ensure you know where your data is heading. If in doubt use an on-site mobile shredding company.
• Check identities – use credit reference agencies to verify the identity of preferred suppliers to your organisation.
• Secure your accounts – don’t allow details of banking to escape into the public domain. Thieves are well adept at impersonating signatures.
• Inform staff – train staff on how to deal with confidential data properly and monitor their behaviour. Most public sector fraud is committed by people within the organisation.
• Keep post safe – theft of post is a major issue for local authorities. Scammers may try to redirect your mail without your knowledge.
• Restrict key documents – don’t allow staff to have full access to authority documents. This applies to paper and digital data.
• Use anti virus software – public sector workers still get fleeced by online scammers. Installing credible anti-virus software is necessary to combat this threat.
• Beware of carrying large amounts of confidential data on laptops, data sticks or mobile devices such as Blackberry’s and iPhones. These small portable gadgets are magnets for thieves who can exploit your confidential information.