- Simply, it's the theft of your personal or financial details. Criminals use these details to impersonate people, open bank accounts, obtain credit or set up businesses.
- Once your details are stolen, you could become a victim of identity fraud.
Identity fraud - what to look out for
Protect your PIN, cards and cheque books
- Bills, invoices or receipts addressed to you - for goods or services you haven't ordered
- Letters from solicitors or debt collection agencies regarding debts that aren't yours
- Letters or statements for bank accounts you did not open
- Transactions appearing on your bank statements (normally withdrawals) that you don't recognise
- New accounts showing up on your credit report
- Documents like your passport, driving licence, utility bills or bank statements have gone missing
What can you do?
- Remember to keep your personal details secure at all times.
How to protect yourself
- If you think you have been the target of identity fraud, contact your bank or card issuer immediately - call the telephone number on your statement.
