In 2017 there were a record number of cases of identity theft with 300,000 cases being reported across the year.

When our operatives visit your home, they should always be carrying identification, and this should be visible for you to read.

There are also steps you can take to protect yourself from identity fraud.

Keep your personal information safe

  • Don’t throw out anything with your name, address or financial details without shredding it first
  • If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call from what appears to be your bank or building society asking for your security details, never reveal your full password, login details or account numbers
  • Be aware that a bank will never ask for your PIN or for a whole security number or password
  • Don’t leave things like bills lying around for others to look at
  • If you’re expecting a bank or credit card statement and it doesn’t arrive, tell your bank or credit card company

If you think you have been a victim of identity fraud

  • Act quickly – you mustn’t ignore the problem
  • If you are concerned about the source of a call, wait five minutes and call your bank from a different telephone making sure there is a dialing tone
  • If you believe you’re a victim of identity fraud involving plastic cards (e.g. credit and debit cards), online banking or cheques, you must report it to your bank as soon as possible

If you think your bank details may have been stolen

  • You must report it to your bank as soon as possible. Your bank will then be responsible for investigating the issue and they will report any case of criminal activity to the police
  • The police will then record your case and decide whether to carry out follow-up investigations.

If you think you’re a victim of another kind of identity fraud

  • You must report the matter to the relevant organisation (you should report all lost or stolen documents – such as passports, driving licences, plastic cards, cheque books)
  • Depending on their advice, you should then alert your local police force

If you think you’ve been the victim of postal fraud

  • If you move house, ask Royal Mail to redirect your post for at least a year
  • Contact the Royal Mail Customer Enquiry line on 08457 740 740 if you suspect your mail is being stolen or that a mail redirection has been fraudulently set up on your address. The Royal Mail has an investigation unit that will be able to help you.