Identity Fraud

This fraud involves criminals obtaining key pieces of personal information that they use to pretend to be you. Criminals use these personal details to obtain financial services products in your name such as credit cards, loans, state benefits, mortgages and documents such as passports and driving licences. Alternatively criminals can also use your personal information to gain access to your existing accounts. 

UK Payments has worked closely with the Home Office to develop www.identitytheft.org.uk, which provides practical advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft and what to do if you do become a victim.

Avoiding identity fraud: top tips

Help keep your identity safe by following common sense precautions:

• Always keep important personal documents, plastic cards and chequebooks in a safe and secure place.
• Don’t share personal information unless you are entirely confident you know who you are dealing with.
• Store your statements, receipts and documents that contain information relating to your financial affairs safely and destroy or preferably shred them when you dispose of them.
• Carefully check bank and card statements as soon as they arrive. If you find an unfamiliar transaction contact your card company or bank immediately.
• Be aware that your post is valuable information in the wrong hands. If you fail to receive a bank statement, card statement, utility bill or other financial information contact the supplier as soon as possible.
• Get your post redirected to your new address if you move house. The Royal Mail offers a redirection service.