My details are on the disc. What does that mean?

You are in danger of becoming a victim of identity fraud if the discs have fallen into the wrong hands. Criminals might try to access your bank account or apply for credit in your name using your personal details

What can I do to protect myself?

The banking information on the disc should not be enough to withdraw money from your account. Banks usually ask for another form of ID or personal identification number before allowing access to an account.

Q&A: how can I protect myself?

Advice for anyone who fears their personal data may be misused by fraudsters after Britain's worst ever security breach

• Government under pressure over taxman's giant blunder

Related Internet Links

• Online security: full coverage

BACKGROUND

• Police step in as other CDs have gone astray

• Moment’s blunder puts half the country at risk

• Data watchdog seeks dawn-raid powers

• New data law 'urgently needed'

Related Links

• Pressure on Government over taxman's blunder

But you should check your bank statements. If you spot unusual activity on your account, you should contact your bank immediately.

The biggest danger, however, is that fraudsters will use your personal details, such as your name and address, to apply for new loans and credit cards in your name. You may not be aware that they are doing this, as they will correspond directly with the loan company or mobile phone operator.

One way to protect yourself against this type of identity fraud is by setting up online credit monitoring. These schemes are run by the three credit reference agencies:

Callcredit (www.Callcredit.co.uk , 0113-244 1555); Experian (www.Experian.co.uk 0870 2416212) and Equifax (www.equifax.co.uk , 0870 010 0583).

Online monitoring - which costs between £30 and £75 a year - means you will be alerted if someone opens an account or takes out a loan in your name.

The cheaper alternative is to order a copy of your credit report regularly. Each report costs about £2 .

Your credit record will not be affected if you ask for copies of your credit record, or ask for your credit record to be monitored online.

You can also register with CIFAS (www.cifas.org.uk ) so that extra checks are carried out on any credit applications made in your name.