More about Identity Theft

 
What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft involves someone using your personal information without your knowledge, to obtain goods and services in your name. It is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK† and anyone is at risk, whether or not they have a credit card.
 

Identity theft occurs when fraudsters obtain your personal details to open bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages and loans in your name, with no intention of paying them off.
 

They can also apply for passports and driving licenses, using your identity to involve you in criminal activity. This could lead to you encountering debt collectors, court actions and you could even have problems getting a mortgage or a job.
 

We can provide you with assistance 7 days a week. 365 days a year, just call our confidential helpline on 0845 121 5063*. Lines are open 24 hours a day
 

Find out more about protecting yourself from Identity Theft
 

Identity Theft - The facts

• It is estimated that Identity Theft in the UK costs the British economy £1.7 billon annually† †
• Identity Theft is one of the UK's fastest growing types of crime, since 1999, Identity Theft has grown by over 500%†
• 135,000 incidents were reported in 2005†
• During 2004 one Identity Theft case occurred every four minutes in the UK - Identity Theft on average goes undetected for over a year†
• In cases where a 'total hijack' has occurred, perhaps involving 20-30 different lenders, it may take the victim as long as 400 hours and cost up to £8000 before things are back to normal†

 
Take some simple steps to protect yourself from Identity Theft
 

†Source: CIFAS
 

† †Source: The Home Office
 

*0844 numbers - typical call charge from a BT landline is 5p per minute plus a connection fee may be charged. Calls from other networks and mobiles may be higher. Calls may be recorded/monitored for training purposes.