Identity Theft in the UK — How to Protect Yourself and What to Do If You Are a Victim

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK. Criminals use your personal information to open bank accounts, take out loans, apply for credit cards and commit fraud in your name — leaving you to deal with the financial and emotional consequences.

How Identity Theft Happens

Criminals obtain personal information through data breaches where company databases are hacked and stolen, data broker websites that sell your personal details, phishing emails and fake websites that trick you into revealing information, mail theft where bank statements and utility bills are stolen, and social media where people overshare personal details publicly.

Warning Signs That Your Identity Has Been Stolen

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

1. Remove your data from data broker sites — This removes the personal information criminals use to open accounts in your name. Silent Erase does this automatically across 500+ sites.

2. Check your credit report regularly — Check your credit report with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion at least every 6 months. All three offer free basic checks.

3. Use strong unique passwords — Never reuse passwords across accounts. Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for every service.

4. Enable two-factor authentication — Add an extra layer of security to your email and financial accounts.

5. Shred sensitive documents — Never put bank statements, utility bills or official letters in the recycling. Shred them first.

6. Monitor for data breaches — Check haveibeenpwned.com regularly. Silent Erase monitors daily and alerts you instantly when your data appears in new breaches.

What to Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft

1. Contact your bank immediately — Report fraud to all your banks and ask them to flag your accounts and freeze any fraudulent ones.

2. Report to Report Fraud — Call 0300 123 2040 or visit reportfraud.police.uk to report identity theft and receive a crime reference number.

3. Contact CIFAS — Register a protective registration with CIFAS at cifas.org.uk. This adds a warning to your credit file alerting lenders to take extra care when verifying identity.

4. Check and correct your credit file — Contact all three credit reference agencies and dispute any fraudulent entries on your credit report.

5. Report to the DVLA and passport office — If your driving licence or passport details were stolen contact the DVLA and HM Passport Office immediately.