Q What is Identity Theft?

A Identity theft is when somebody claims to be you. Criminals will find out your personal details in order to create their own false documentation such as credit cards, loans, driving licenses, passports and may also gain access to your bank account.

How Do They Get My Details?

It can be very easy for them. All they need is the most basic of details such as your name, date of birth, address, phone number or personal documents.

The information they need can be acquired by finding discarded credit card statements or bills that haven't been destroyed properly. By going online, these criminals can also use phishing techniques where they will trick you into sending them your most personal details such as your online passwords or credit card numbers.

How Can I Protect Myself?

When making an online purchase, always check that the connection is secure. When you go to the online checkout, the website address should begin with "https://" not "http://" as the rest of the site will probably be. Also, look for a small padlock icon somewhere on your browser window. This means the transaction is encrypted and safe.

Remember that banks will never write to you asking for any private information by email. If you do receive an email that you are unsure about, don't open any attachments, and if you want to click on the web link in the email, type the address into your browser yourself.

Use different passwords for different websites and try to use a combination of letters and numbers to make it harder to guess.

I Think I May Be A Victim, What Do I Do?

If you think you may have been the target of identity theft, check your bank statements thoroughly and check your online accounts.

Report any suspected crime to your local police station and ask for a crime number.

Contact the organisations that have been selling products or services to the fraudster using your name. Also, you can contact Equifax, Experian or Callcredit for a copy of your personal credit file for a small fee, and ask for a not to be put on your file saying you have been a victim of identity theft.

For more help, you can visit the Home Office Identity Theft website, or Bank Safe Online which help online banking customers stay safe online.