Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK.  Detection rates and prosecution rates are low.  It's one of the simplest and one of the most profitable of crimes.  People think that it's a victimless crime but at worst it ruins lives, at best it causes the victim hours and hours of time to sort out, and ultimately we all pay for it.

In the UK you are unlikely to suffer any significant, personal financial loss, because of current legislation and the Banking Code which states that you cannot be held responsible for transactions you have not authorized unless you have been negligent.

But the consequences are not always exclusively and directly financial - you may remember the case of Derek Bond, a 72 year old who was held in a South African cell for nearly 3 weeks - the victim of an FBI investigation that turned out to be a case of identity theft or Dr Paul Grout, Senior Consultant at Hull Royal Infirmary who suffered 2 abominable years and lost his job and many of his friends.

Other reasons we all need to be concerned about this growing crime of deception:

• Financial Fraud - credit card fraud is relatively low risk for criminals as few are prosecuted
• Illegal Immigration - and human trafficking is harder to detect if stolen documents are used
• Money Laundering - the misuse of an established identity reduces the chances of detection
• Drug Trafficking - under stolen names is common and reduces the chance of detection
• Benefit Fraud - false identities hinder the investigation of benefit fraud
• Fine Avoidance - speeding fines, driving bans or other motoring offences etc

From the Cradle to the Grave!  It could be you!

Victims of identity theft range from new born babies to students in college to retired people - even death isn't a barrier!

It's vital that we all learn to protect our personal information - even when you complete those surveys on the phone or on the street, you can bet the information will be sold!  Unfortunately technology is providing new opportunities to criminals to steal our data and impersonate us for all the reasons listed above.

You can Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

These pages will provide you with a comprehensive picture of how ID Theft happens and how you can prevent your personal data being stolen by criminals.

Stop ID Frauds