Child Benefit data security incident: frequently asked questions

What has happened?

A copy of some HM Revenue and Customs data about families who receive Child Benefit was lost. The copy of the data is likely to still be on Government property - we have no evidence to suggest the data is in the possession of anyone else.

Is data about me and my family involved in this incident?

Only people who were receiving Child Benefit on 30 September 2007 are affected.

Will this affect my Child Benefit?

No.

What can I do to ensure that lost data about me is not used fraudulently?

You should remain watchful:

• if you receive bills, invoices or receipts or see entries in your statements for goods or services which you have not ordered you should contact your bank or building society immediately
• be aware of anybody who contacts you unexpectedly by phone or email and asks for personal information or account details, whatever company or organisation they claim to represent. If you are at all suspicious contact your bank or building society
• if your password uses any of your personal data, for example your child’s name or date of birth, you may also wish to consider changing any passwords you use.

There is no need to contact your bank as a matter of routine. You can get further information from www.identitytheft.org.uk or specific advice about protecting your bank account from www.cifas.org.uk.

What happens if data about my family is misused anyway?

You should contact the organisation where the fraud has taken place.

As is usual in these circumstances, if you are the innocent victim of banking fraud you will not have to pay.

If, as a direct result of this incident, you incur costs we will consider compensating them.

Should I consider changing my bank account to prevent fraud?

The British Banking Association advice is not to change bank or building society account unless you have evidence that your account has been used fraudulently.

The banking industry has also told customers that the data contained on the lost discs is not enough for an ID fraudster to access their bank account – as additional security information and passwords are always required.

Is it safer to go back to getting Child Benefit by Cashcheque (Giro)?

As we have no evidence to suggest the data is in the possession of anyone else, we strongly recommend that you should continue to get paid into their Bank or Building Society because

• it is more secure
• payments are received more quickly (usually 3 to 5 days earlier)
• you do not have to go to the Post Office to collect your money.

Can I change my National Insurance Number to protect me from fraud?

No, it is not possible to change your National Insurance Number. The National Insurance number is not an ID number. While it is used as a convenient reference for many Government systems it will not, in itself, provide access to financial accounts or information in either the public or private sector.