Are your personal details safe?

http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/news/INBRIEF/article-2360805-detail/article.html

I was shocked when I heard about the laptop theft from A4e, putting 13,000 individuals at risk from criminals, more so when I found out that my Mum was one of them.

It had me wondering why the laptop, with everyones data, was allowed to leave the office.

This is happening to often Mike. It also surprises me how many people put their full details on Facebook and leave themselves wide open to Identity Fraud.Some time ago, someone tried to buy a PC from PC World in my name.Using my name and address and postcode.It was only the fact the Date of Birth given did not match mine that stopped them getting away with it. People on FaceBook give too much information and leave themselves wide open to fraud by submitting their date of birth.This guarantees validity to the Fraudster posing as you.

I remember an old man called Mr. Richardson, who lived in the next street who used to have my phone number. He failed to pay his bills and was cut off, and when I applied for a number I was offered his old number.

We used to get calls from debt collectors, medical firms, and all manner of weird and wonderful people.

One day, back when I was working for the video rental store he came in and tried renting some games. "Can you confirm your telephone number?" I asked, and he replied giving my number!

I pulled him aside and quietly told him who I was and that I had his number. He made some rude remark and left.

Now, when anyone pesters me asking for this man, I just tell them his new address.

Who would have thought that crooks would ever target your dustbin,my god whatever does the future hold perhaps the crooks will tap into our sewer pipes and steal our D.N.

They could tap into my sewer if they wanted but I wouldn't recommend it.

That's a crappy idea, Steve.

I suppose it would take a real "stinker" to commit that crime.

The new Specialist listened with ever widening eyes as I reeled off the previous dates of my examinations. I followed his gaze to the computer screen. He tapped. The nurse tapped. All the previous dates from memory... nought nowt! All lost in their damn fool system. I soon face a very serious op without all my previous data. I have asked to be allowed a local unaesthetic, God only knows what they'll be chopping off.

If you return from the next op with a beautiful soprano voice you will know that those computer records were essential. Good luck with your ops and I hope they give you the local you asked for. If they continue to mess you around you want to send Ferret in to sort them out. If he gets his little teeth in among the wires they will know what computer chaos really is, I should imagine.

Alan, if Sir Tim berners Lee hadn't 'invented' the Internet then all the muddle, data loss and cybercrime wouldn't exist so it must be his fault if, a short while from now, I am Hull's latest singing sensation? Minus a stout per of breeks, Ferret is at a loss for suggestions. How will he sneak in?

Well, Tony, I could send Sergei Von Meerkat in first and that would distract all the nurses and female members of staff who would be doing the usual "Oh, how cute; what a lovely little creature, almost human, etc etc" ad nauseum. Then Ferret could get in, do his job (but not his jobby) behind enemy lines and then retire to West Park to meet up with Sergei and pop into Parkers for a celebratory libation of pond water. How is that for a plan?

Alan, I have put your plan to Ferret. He says it all sounds nuts to him and he's a Ferret and not a Squirrel. I'll try to sleep on that one.