Dispose-Old-Computer

Dispose old computers

Finally the day has come my shiny new laptop has arrived! With no delay I tear it from the box, tossing the packaging and instruction booklet aside I hit the power button. As it fires up I wait in anticipation to hear the sweet chimes of Windows starting. I carefully transfer my data from my old computer to my fabulous new toy and the job is complete. I have no need to keep my old computer so I decide to toss it in the bin.

After many weeks getting acquainted with my new laptop I receive a new friend request from my long lost friend Ali, I haven’t seen him since we were in high school! We chatted online regularly and began exchanging emails.

Little did I know, the emails I was receiving contained spyware that began stealing my bank details and passwords and Ali was not really my long lost friend..... I had become the latest victim of identity theft.

My old computer had exchanged hands several times before my personal information was extracted from the hard drive and sold online to cybercriminals. Using this information I was easily tracked down and even befriended in order to steal even more personal information. My identity had been stolen, these criminals now had access to all of my accounts and where running up bills on new credit cards. I was in serious trouble.

The National Fraud Authority reports that identity theft is affecting more than 1.8 million Brits each year and costing the state £2.7 billion. Users can take a few simple steps to ensure they keep their identity safe. Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date, regularly check your credit report, always check your bank and credit card statements carefully and don’t throw anything with your name, address or financial details without shredding first. This last point should also be applied to the disposal of old computer equipment that contains digital information.

• Simply deleting files from your hard drive is not enough you will need to install a special utility that can erase all trace of files from your computer.
• If your equipment is still in working order why not sell it or offer it as a donation to a charity, non-profit organisation or a school.
• Don’t dump it contact your local authority for more information on recycling and rubbish disposal services in your area.

Next time you upgrade your computer be sure to hold onto your identity and don’t become the next victim of identity theft.