Identity Fraud

Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK with some reports suggesting it is increasing at a rate of over 500% per year. With rates of growth at this level it will not be long before identity fraud becomes the number one career choice for criminals in the UK. In this article Graham Whitehouse, Employment Solicitor at Pengillys LLP Solicitors of Weymouth and Dorchester looks at some of the most frequently asked questions about identity fraud.

1.  What is Identity fraud?

Identity fraud is the theft and use of the personal details of an individual or business by criminals generally so that they can obtain credit in that persons name or to carry out illegal activities.  The impact on the victim can be devastating.  A recent BBC report highlighted the case of a young American lawyer who was arrested on her first day in a new job for crimes commited by someone that had stolen and used her personal details to commit crime.

2.  How are identities stolen?

A personal or a business identity may be stolen in a number of ways, and it may be days, months or even years before the unsuspecting victim becomes aware that their identities have been stolen and used for illegal purposes.  The most common method of stealing an identity is by theft of financial information or credit cards.  The more sophisticated thief will even bribe burglars to obtain bank and financial information which may then be used to obtain goods and services in the victim's name.

The BBC even highlighted the case of an identity fraudster who had used information passed to him by corrupt bank staff.

3.  How can I protect myself against identity thieves?

You can take a number of simple precautions that although are not guaranteed to prevent this crime from happening to you, may at least alert you that you have become a victim of identity fraud.

• Bank Statements and other financial information should be carefully scrutinised to ensure that there are no unusual transactions taking place with your accounts.
• You may also check your own credit file with one of the approved Credit Agencies.  This can cost as little as £2.00.  Your credit file will show whether or not there have been requests for credit that you are unaware of.
• Financial information and Bank Statements should not be thrown away and where possible these should be stored in a safe place ideally a locked cabinet, or if you wish to destroy them, use a paper shredder.
• If you believe that your post is not reaching you or has been tampered with, you should immediately contact Royal Mail and raise your concerns.

4.  Where can I get more information?

Further details on how to deal with identity fraud can be found at www.identitytheft.org.uk

"With the growth of new banking technologies, there is also a growth of criminals willing to take advantage of those technologies.  Although individuals and businesses can take a number of precautions to make life as difficult as possible for identity theives, modern living and the growth of the internet means it is unlikely that this particular crime will ever be eradicated" said Mr Whitehouse.