Individuals

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing problem in the United Kingdom.

Identity theft occurs when a person steals an individual or company’s personal information. This information can then be used to fraudulently open bank accounts, to obtain payments, credit or social security benefits (in the case of individuals) or to purchase goods and services.

A number of initiatives have been developed to provide information and advice to people about the risk of identity theft:

Practical Advice Websites

www.identitytheft.org.uk The Home Office’s Identity Fraud Steering Group website is designed to educate consumers about the threat of identity theft and to provide assistance to those who become victims.

 Protective Registration

This service is offered to victims of identity theft by CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service. The scheme allows individuals to place a CIFAS entry against their own address when they have good reason to believe it may be used (or has been used) by a fraudster (ie. victim of a burglary in which personal documentation was stolen).

Protecting Yourself and/or Your Business

The Fraud Advisory Panel has published guidance on identity theft entitled “Identity Theft: Do You Know the Signs?” This guide includes some simple steps that can be taken by individuals and businesses to assist in the prevention and detection of identity theft. The full publication can be downloaded here.

Reporting Fraud