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Identity theft

Your identity is valuable. If it’s stolen, this can lead to identity fraud. You may lose money or find it difficult to get loans, credit cards or a mortgage.

The ICO can’t deal with cases of identity theft, but we’ve put together this guidance to help you. The "What can I do if I'm a victim of identity theft?" section below identifies organisations who can provide further advice and support. 

Identity theft happens when your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, current or previous addresses, is stolen and used by someone else to impersonate you. Identity theft can take place whether a victim is alive or deceased.

What signs should I look out for?

There are a number of signs to look out for that mean you may be a victim of identity theft or identity fraud:

  • Important documents, such as your passport or driving licence, have been lost or stolen.
  • Mail from your bank or utility provider doesn’t arrive.
  • Items that you don’t recognise appear on your bank or credit card statement.
  • You apply for state benefits but are told you are already claiming.
  • You receive bills or receipts for goods or services you haven’t asked for.
  • You are refused financial services, credit cards or a loan, despite having a good credit rating.
  • You receive letters in your name from solicitors or debt collectors for debts that aren’t yours.
  • Your credit rating goes down even though you have not missed any payments or do not have an account in arrears. We have guidance on credit on our website. 

How do I reduce the risk of identity theft?

  • Store documents carrying personal information – such as your driving licence, passport, bank statements, utility bills or credit card transaction receipts – in a safe and secure place.
  • Secure your personal information when using external websites. Use a password manager to easily and safely store all your passwords in one place. When you need a password for a website, the password manager will automatically fill it in so you won’t have to remember it.
  • Shred or destroy old documents so that nothing showing your name, address or other personal details can be taken.
  • Regularly check your credit card and bank statements for suspicious activity and monitor your credit report.
  • When you move house, contact your bank, credit and store card providers, mobile phone provider and utility providers to give them your new address. You don’t want the new tenants to access letters containing your personal information. You can also redirect your mail by contacting Royal Mail.
  • Remember, less is more. The less you give away about yourself, the lower the risk of information falling into the wrong hands. Think about what information you share on public or work devices.
  • Be wary about unexpected contact, such as emails, calls or messages, from organisations asking you to confirm your personal information. If you’re uncertain, then don’t provide any information and get in touch with the organisation using the contact details they’ve already provided to you.
  • Think before you buy online:
    • Use a secure website which displays the company’s contact details.
    • Look for a padlock symbol and a clear privacy and returns policy.
    • Check the web address begins with https.

What can I do if I'm a victim of identity theft?

Act quickly if you think you are a victim of identity theft. Take action as soon as possible to limit the impact of identity theft and prevent further losses.

  • Report all lost or stolen documents containing personal information, such as passports, driving licences, credit cards and cheque books to the organisation that issued them.
  • Inform your bank, building society and credit card company of any unusual transactions on your statement.
  • Request a copy of your credit file to check for any suspicious credit applications.
  • Report the theft of personal documents and suspicious credit applications to the police and ask for a crime reference number.
  • Contact CIFAS (the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service) to apply for protective registration. Once you have registered CIFAS members will carry out extra checks to see when anyone, including you, applies for a financial service such as a loan using your details.

You can also get more advice at:

To report the theft or loss of post: