Advice on Identity Fraud
Afraid you might be a victim of identity theft? Learn more about how you can report it.
If you are concerned that you have been the victim of identity fraud then it is important that you seek help immediately, to prevent the potential problems from escalating.
Firstly check you have all of your important identity documents such as passport and drivers license, and also check you have all of your credit and debit cards, building society withdrawal books, cheque books and so on. If anything is missing, report it to the relevant authority such as:
Passport Services (ww.ips.gov.uk) – to report a stolen or lost passport
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (www.dvla.gov.uk) – to report a stolen or lost driver’s license.
Then you need to make a list of all of your existing financial responsibilities, such as loans, credit cards and bank accounts. Check through them all carefully (you can phone the relevant services to check up to date transactions) and make a note of any suspicious activity.
If you do suspect a problem contact the account provider immediately, so that they can prevent any further fraudulent activity from occurring. If this has happened on your main account you may also need to discuss with the provider a temporary overdraft facility, so that you have some money until the problem is resolved.
The next step is to request a copy of your credit report from one of the main credit reference agencies such as Equifax or Call Credit and check this carefully against your list of existing financial responsibilities. Make a note of any suspicious activity, such as applications for credit cards and loans you know nothing about, and report them to the credit reference agency who will then look into this for you.
If you are a victim of identity crime then there are various associations and services that can guide you on how to resolve your case satisfactorily, and also on how to prevent it from happening in the future. The Fraud Prevention Service (CIFAS) provides lots of information on identity crimes and how to apply for protective registration to give you additional protection at their website.
Firstly check you have all of your important identity documents such as passport and drivers license, and also check you have all of your credit and debit cards, building society withdrawal books, cheque books and so on. If anything is missing, report it to the relevant authority such as:
Passport Services (ww.ips.gov.uk) – to report a stolen or lost passport
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (www.dvla.gov.uk) – to report a stolen or lost driver’s license.
Then you need to make a list of all of your existing financial responsibilities, such as loans, credit cards and bank accounts. Check through them all carefully (you can phone the relevant services to check up to date transactions) and make a note of any suspicious activity.
If you do suspect a problem contact the account provider immediately, so that they can prevent any further fraudulent activity from occurring. If this has happened on your main account you may also need to discuss with the provider a temporary overdraft facility, so that you have some money until the problem is resolved.
The next step is to request a copy of your credit report from one of the main credit reference agencies such as Equifax or Call Credit and check this carefully against your list of existing financial responsibilities. Make a note of any suspicious activity, such as applications for credit cards and loans you know nothing about, and report them to the credit reference agency who will then look into this for you.
If you are a victim of identity crime then there are various associations and services that can guide you on how to resolve your case satisfactorily, and also on how to prevent it from happening in the future. The Fraud Prevention Service (CIFAS) provides lots of information on identity crimes and how to apply for protective registration to give you additional protection at their website.
Identity Theft Protection
Identity theft services and advice.
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