Identity Theft and Identity Fraud: spot, stop and report.

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13 August 2026

As part of our ‘Cybercrime Awareness Week’, we are also looking at the related issues of Identity Theft and Identity Fraud.

‘Identity theft’ happens when fraudsters access enough information about your identity to be able to assume that identity in formal actions, whereas ‘identity fraud’ is the use of that stolen identity in criminal activity; for example, to obtain goods or services by deception. Go to https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/identity-fraud-and-identity-theft/ to find out how fraudsters can use your personal details.

Spotting Efforts to Steal Your Identity.

The Information Commissioner’ Office (ICO) has identified a number of signs to look out for to spot efforts to steal your identity such as:

items that you don’t recognise appearing on your bank or credit card statements.
applying for state benefits, but being told you are already claiming.
receiving bills or receipts for goods or services you haven’t asked for.

Go to https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/identity-theft for a much fuller list of signs.

Protecting Yourself from ID Theft.

The ICO also provides advice on steps to follow to significantly lower the risk of falling prey to ID Theft such as:

storing documents carrying personal information in a safe and secure place.
destroying old documents so that nothing showing your name, address or other personal details can be stolen.
monitoring your credit card and bank statements for suspicious activity.

What Do i Do if i’m a Victim of ID Theft?

Act quickly to minimise any financial losses. Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 immediately and take their advice. And follow the checklist of actions laid out by the ICO.

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For an alternative explanation of ID Theft, ID Fraud, and how to spot and report it, go

to Which? at:

https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/what-is-identity-theft-a7wcQ6c0RyI1 .

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