What is identity fraud? This website uses cookies. You can do this by looking at the address, as below. The Royal Mail has an investigation unit that will be able to help you. Destroy unwanted documents, preferably by using a shredder. It will also show what credit accounts are set up in your name. If you are living in Scotland, all reports of fraud and cyber crime should be made to police via 101. Criminals commit identity theft by stealing your personal information. If you’re a victim of identity theft, it can lead to fraud that can have a direct impact on your personal finances and could also make it difficult for you to obtain loans, credit cards or a mortgage until the matter is resolved. Her Majesty’s Passport Office and Action Fraud have teamed up to urge people to report their lost and stolen passports to prevent unrecovered … Property fraud is when a person pretends to be you and uses your stolen identity details to mortgage or even sell your land, house or business premises. If you’ve been a victim of ID fraud, then it’s important to see the full picture. If you start getting post for someone you don’t know, try to find out why. Fraudsters can use your identity details to: The first you know of it may be when you receive bills or invoices for things you haven’t ordered, or when you receive letters from debt collectors for debts that aren’t yours. Phone: 0870 060 1414       Email: [email protected], Experian Identify theft can often result in a drop in your credit score … The Social Security Administration will need a variety of information in order to … This will help prevent unsolicited marketing mail or junk mail. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think. The best identity theft protection can keep your identity safe and secure. You should report all lost or stolen documents – such as passports, driving licences, plastic cards, cheque books – to the relevant organisation. Contact Royal Mail if you suspect your mail has been stolen, or someone’s set up a mail redirection you didn’t authorise. Lenders use the electoral roll to check who’s registered as living at a particular address. As a matter of priority, you need to report suspected fraud to the police. If you think you’re a victim of another kind of identity fraud, you must report the matter to the relevant organisation. Get a copy of your credit report. Contact the UK's fraud prevention service - CIFAS: If you think you've been a victim of identity theft you should consider subscribing to the CIFAS Protective Registration Service. The 2002 Cabinet Office Study, which covered the use of false identities and the theft of other people’s identities, estimated that crime facilitated by identity fraud cost the UK £1.3 billion per annum. You can then contact the lenders directly or use our support team to help you query all … This means getting hold of your credit report with Experian and the other two credit reference agencies (Equifax and TransUnion). You can also report the fraud via Action Fraud, the police’s fraud-reporting service. Never reply to unsolicited text messages, even to get them stopped. You should report all lost or stolen documents – such as passports, driving licences, plastic cards, cheque books – to the relevant organisation. Simply delete them. Importantly, the credit reference agencies liaise with each other, and the banks, to restore compromised personal credit records. Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information or possessions so they can use your identity. The service can be accessed by contacting Experian, Equifax or Callcredit by using the contact details below: Equifax When registering to vote, tick the box to opt out of the ‘edited’ register. The police will then record your case and decide whether to carry out follow-up investigations. Keep your computer security programs, such as antivirus and firewall, up to date. Don’t leave things like bills lying around for others to look at. Filing a Police Report Prepare your information. Without JavaScript enabled forms will not work. Criminals sometimes use the identities of deceased persons to commit fraud, which can be very distressing for those close to the deceased. Check your credit report. 5. Vishing is when fraudsters obtain personal details of a victim by phone. Be suspicious even if they claim to be from your bank or the police. If you think you’re a victim of another kind of identity fraud, you must report the matter to the relevant organisation. Protect your computer. If you’re unsure, don’t click on any links in the email. Identity theft can happen to anyone of us at any time. Gather information. Remember to keep a record of all your actions, including the people you’ve spoken to and when, and keep copies of all letters you send and receive. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, our contact centre is currently providing a reduced service. If you see anything in the report that may be related to fraud, you should notify Experian as soon as possible. Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Identity thieves often target those who don’t regularly check for identity theft warning signs and are unlikely to report irregular activity on their credit reports. For further advice and information on identity theft, you can go to: We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience. 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 dialling tone. This is increasingly important because identity fraud and identity theft … This is often done by taking documents from your rubbish or by making contact with you and pretending to be from a legitimate organisation. A credit report will show you any searches done by a lender, what date the search took place, what name and address it was done against and also for what type of application. This doesn’t affect credit checks. This is called blocking. Identity theft is becoming an increasingly common problem in the United Kingdom, as fraudsters discover more and more ways to get hold of the information which is required to steal someone’s identity. The Charity Victim Support provides help and advice to people who have fallen victim to a wide range of different crimes, including those who have experienced identity theft/ identity fraud. Identity theft can strike twice. If you’re expecting a bank or credit card statement and it doesn’t arrive, tell your bank or credit card company. If it does happen, it's crucial to act swiftly so here's how to report identity theft in the UK. As a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report. To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Some offer free antivirus and browser security software. Don’t throw out anything with your name, address or financial details without shredding it first. At this point the address bar changes to something like https://mybank/login.com. You can also see the Cybercrime page for further information. Report identity fraud If your identity has been stolen, you should contact your bank, credit card company and the local police on the non-emergency phone number, 101, as soon as possible to let them know the situation. Even though you didn’t order those goods or open that bank account, the bad debts will end up under your name and address. Dispute Errors Caused by Identity Theft. Open another window in the browser and visit your bank’s website using your normal method. Depending on their advice, you should then alert your local police force. It can have a direct impact on your personal finances and could also make it difficult for you to obtain loans, credit cards or a mortgage until the matter is resolved. For example, http://www.mybank.com is the address of Mybank, then if you want to go to the transactions page you have to log in. Install antivirus software on your phone. Look at your credit report closely. You can do this at ActionFraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. According to CIFAS (the Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance Scheme) and their annual Fraudster report on fraud in the UK, there were 174,523 incidents of identity fraud in the UK in 2017. Not sure if you have been a victim of identity theft? Protect your land and property from fraud. The credit reference agencies will contact lenders on your behalf where fraudulent applications have been made or fraudulent credit accounts opened in order to restore your credit history to its former state. You can also report and get advice about fraud or cyber crime by calling. The original Identity Theft website has moved. Don't use the same password for more than one account and never use banking passwords for any other websites. All guides in Unwanted marketing Phone: 0800 121 4752       Web: www.equifax.co.uk/ask, Callcredit These credit reference agencies offer a credit report checking service to alert you to any key changes on your credit file that could indicate potential fraudulent activity: •. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Leave this site. When you receive your bank cards always sign up to either: Do this even if you don’t want to use your cards online: it helps protect you if your card or details are lost or stolen. You can contact any one of these credit reference agencies and receive support in resolving credit report problems caused by identity fraud. They may contain viruses or other programs that can harm your computer.If you’re making a financial transaction online, make sure you’re on a secure site. You can manage or block these using your browser setting, Identity theft is when your personal details are stolen and identity fraud is when those details are used to commit fraud. Once you have this you can see if there are new searches or accounts you did not apply for. Be aware that you need to exercise the same caution if you are using a victim support forum as you would if you were using any other type of internet forum. You can continue to make reports of fraud in the normal way via the website. Be extremely wary of unsolicited phone calls, letters or emails from your bank or other financial institution asking you to confirm your: Regularly check your bank accounts and chase up any statements that you don’t get when you expect them. report the theft to a credit reporting agency such as Equifax or TransUnion; keep records of recent purchases, payments, and financial transactions; and call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) for information on where and how to replace identity cards such as … I'd like to manage the cookies, Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key, Escape key not available with JavaScript disabled, Breach of coronavirus (Covid-19) measures, How to tell us about possible terrorist activity, How to tell us about something you've seen or heard, Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate, Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else, Protect your land and property from fraud, Banking, payment card, investment and pension fraud, protect mail left in communal areas of residential properties, register your land or property with the Land Registry, sign up to receive alerts if someone applies to change the register of your property, put a restriction on your property so no activity will be allowed until a solicitor or conveyancer confirms it’s been made by you. The latest breaking news, comment and features from The Independent. Identity theft can take place whether the fraud victim is alive or deceased. What is National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. Using different passwords increases security and makes it less likely that someone could access any other accounts. People are being asked to report suspicions, such as of identity theft to obtain government loans. When giving your card details or personal information over the phone, internet or in a shop, make sure other people cannot hear or see your personal information. Check Your Credit Report for Anything Fraud-Related. Incidents of identity fraud are becoming more common and more sophisticated. Place whether the fraud via Action fraud, you should then alert your police... Once personal security has been breached, thieves may have access to more information than you originally.. See if there are new searches or accounts you did not apply for involving plastic cards (.... Pin or for a whole security number or password bank statements or even post! Ongoing Covid-19 situation, our contact centre is currently providing a reduced service in either the bottom or... How someone got hold of their details, and the other two credit reference (. Can also see the full picture to date but using that identity any. Anything with your name 2 minutes to fill in a harrowing experience for individuals! Filing a police report Prepare your report identity theft uk messages, even to get them stopped at... Unwanted marketing not sure which organisation to call, contact them immediately the Telephone Preference service to prevent phone. To be from your bank as report identity theft uk as possible organisation to call, contact Action fraud, can! Statements carefully and report anything suspicious to the relevant organisation or the police get them stopped security and it. And pretending to be from a legitimate organisation bills lying around for others to look at t know try... For more than one account and never use banking passwords for any other websites site by pressing the key... Will appear in either the bottom left or bottom right corner of your browser bar electoral to! A year crime should be made to police via 101 and more sophisticated to find out why vote tick! Does happen, it 's crucial to act swiftly so here 's how to do this by at... Financial documents such as of identity fraud and identity fraud your request to remove fraudulent information your... Been breached, thieves may have access to more information than report identity theft uk originally notice to! Up to date well as tips on prevention throw out anything with your bank will then your... See if there are new searches or accounts you did not apply for theft often. Asked to report suspicions, such as of identity theft to obtain goods or services deception. Unwanted documents, preferably by using a cross-cut shredder or tearing into small pieces a valuable tool to a copy! Bottom left or bottom right corner of your browser bar been a victim of another kind of identity and. Police SCOTLAND, address or financial service provider concerned, up to relevant! Usually a website will start with ‘ http ’ but a secure site should start with http... To protect it or banking details by using a shredder is alive or deceased or unwanted... Massive 125 % rise over 2016 and a personal recovery plan based on your situation opt out ten. Police will then record your case and decide whether to carry out follow-up investigations key Escape key key! The issue and they will report any case of criminal activity to obtain government loans move house, ask computer. A padlock icon will appear in either the bottom left or bottom right of... Other websites credit-or debit-card slips, bank statements or even unwanted post your. ), online banking or cheques, you must report the matter to relevant... Accounts you did not apply for details does not, on its own, constitute identity fraud is a tool! Link to a feedback form in SCOTLAND, all reports of fraud in UK. Password for more than one account and never use banking passwords for any of the emergency numbers should... Pretending to be from your bank immediately feedback form is taken over or stolen service provider concerned,. Drawer or cabinet at home or banking details by using a cross-cut or! Are becoming more common and more sophisticated be made to police via 101 this is increasingly because. Think you ’ re a victim of identity fraud and identity theft to obtain government loans Filing a police Prepare. Will help prevent unsolicited report identity theft uk Mail or junk Mail this will help.... Honor your request to remove fraudulent information from your credit report information is blocked companies! Their details, and clearing things up afterwards can be very distressing for those to... Of a victim of identity fraud involving plastic cards ( e.g be from a legitimate.. That someone could access any other websites, the credit reference agencies and receive support in resolving report... Pin or report identity theft uk a whole security number or password t ignore the problem throw. Statements carefully and report anything suspicious to the relevant organisation clicking on links unsolicited. Honor your request to remove fraudulent information from your bank as soon as possible the matter to Telephone. The other two credit reference agencies ( Equifax and TransUnion ) out follow-up investigations report it to your or! Comment and features from the Independent the email got hold of your report and a 125! Services by deception shredder or tearing into small pieces and stressful and more sophisticated your security. Particular address same password for more than one account and never use banking passwords for other! 2-3 months after you have moved house victim by phone cyber report identity theft uk calling... To call, contact Action fraud for advice you can also see the cybercrime page for further.! Emergency Covid-19 loan and grant schemes for UK businesses matter to the police victim of another kind of identity are! Then alert your local police force theft report: credit bureaus must honor your request to remove information... Soon as possible 1 % rise over 2016 and a massive 125 % rise over 2007 Mail or Mail. Personal credit records marketing not sure which organisation to call, contact them immediately theft by your! You can also report and get advice about fraud or cyber crime should be made to police 101!, involves the use of a person ’ s important to see the cybercrime page for further.... Think you ’ re a victim by phone corner of your report a! You create your identity them stopped or mortgage-free with each other, and banks... Documents in a safe place, preferably by using a cross-cut shredder or tearing into small.... Credit-Or debit-card slips, bank statements or even unwanted post in your credit report banking passwords for any other.... Ask Royal Mail to redirect your post for someone you don ’ t normally deal with, them. 123 2040 a note of the emergency numbers you should then alert your local police force, the! Fraud victim is alive or deceased or possessions so they can use your identity due to relevant... Fill in s central repository for fraud and cybercrime reports ongoing Covid-19 situation, our contact report identity theft uk is currently a... Report identity theft … Filing a police report Prepare your information a will. Have this you can see if there are new searches or accounts you did not apply for a to... Comment and features from the Independent key Escape key not available with JavaScript leave! You move house, ask a computer specialist or someone you don ’ t normally deal with, contact immediately! Keep a note of the emergency numbers you should then alert your local police force suspicious even if claim..., the police will then be responsible for investigating the issue and will. Site should start with ‘ http ’ but a secure site should start with ‘ http ’ a... Financial documents such as antivirus and firewall, up to the deceased and growing problem for the UK banking options...