Government launches ID fraud leaflet

The Home Office have launched a leaflet, advising the British public how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

Identity theft – when someone’s personal information is used by another person to in order to fraudulently obtain benefits or services – is becoming more common. More than 100,000 people are affected by this crime in the UK every year. It is believed to cost over £1.3 billion a year.

The new leaflet warns that people are at risk of becoming a victim of identity fraud if they have had important documentation, such as passports or driving licenses stolen or if expected mail, from banks, for example, fails to arrive.

The leaflet also provides indications of identity theft, including: the appearance of unrecognised items on bank and credit card statements; being refused for a credit card or loan, despite having a good credit history; and receiving letters from solicitors or debt collectors for unknown debts.

Information on what to do if you become a victim of identity fraud and where to go for help and support are also provided in the leaflet.

According to research conducted by credit reference agency Experian, the people most likely to fall victim to identity fraud are young professionals and ‘middle-aged families’ living in central London, with office and service jobs; those with settled families, living in the suburbs, with well-paid corporate careers; and those who earn over £60,000 per year.

Home Office Minister Andy Burnham said: “Criminals can use stolen personal details to open bank accounts, obtain credit cards, loans, state benefits and other documents in your name – and if your identity is stolen, it can take a long time to put your records and your life straight.”

The public are recommended to shred all personal documents, such as bills, receipts and bank statements, in order to prevent identity theft.

The new leaflets will be available from police stations, libraries, Citizen’s Advice Bureaux, UK Passport Service regional offices and local DVLA offices.

(KMcA/SP)