Identity fraud

Identity theft occurs when someone else, without your knowledge uses your personal information. It may support criminal activity, which could involve fraud, deception, or obtaining benefits and services in your name.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 people are affected by identity theft in the UK each year, costing the British economy over £1.3 billion annually.

As part of the governments work on identity cards and identity fraud reduction, which often underpins serious and organised crime, information on how you can avoid becoming a victim of identity fraud is provided. Please view this site, http://www.identitytheft.org.uk for information on how you can help protect yourself, get advice on what to do if it happens to you and get details from where to get further help.

Information leaflets, in limited supply, are available from Police Stations, libraries, Citizens Advice Bureaux, regional offices of the UK Passport Service and local offices of the DVLA.