I have older children. Will I be affected?

Revenue & Customs (HMRC) says that your details are at risk only if someone in your family is claiming child benefit (£18.10 a week for the eldest child and £12.10 a week for each additional child). If all your children are over the age of 19 it is unlikely that your or their details are on the discs that have been lost

What is on the discs?

Parents who register for child benefit must give HMRC their name and maiden name, their national insurance number, their date of birth, their address and the full name and birth dates of the children for which they are claiming

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

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Those who want the benefit payments paid straight into their bank account must also give all their bank details including their account number and sort code. If you are a parent or carer who receives child benefit payments your personal and bank account details are at risk

If your spouse or partner receives payments, your own bank account details should be safe, but your personal details are still at risk

Children who are receiving benefit are also at risk as their personal details are on the discs

Those who are too old to receive child benefit but have a younger sibling still receiving the payouts are also listed on the disc

Can I get a refund if a fraudster accesses my bank account?

Under the banking code, customers who are victims of fraud can get a refund from their bank or building society

What is HMRC doing to help?

Banks and building societies were told of the problem last Friday. Since then they have flagged accounts that have been affected and have monitored them for unusual activity from the date that the information went missing. They have not found any suspicious activity so far

HMRC has set up a Child Benefit Helpline on 0845 302 1444 for customers who want more detail

The banking industry has also produced a help sheet at www.apacs.co.uk.