Identity Theft - Reporting the problem

What is identity theft? > Identity Crime Definitions How to protect yourself > Keep your personal information secure > Keep all your plastic cards safe > Keep your documents safe > Keep your passwords and PINs safe > Corporate Identity Fraud > Protecting the identity of deceased family members Are you a victim? > Your credit report > Reporting the problem > CIFAS Protective Registration Victims of fraud service Who can help? > Obtaining your credit file > Consumer finance identity theft information > Reporting the theft or loss of mail and document > General fraud prevention What is being done? > Criminal offences > Passports > Sharing good practice and joint working > Identity cards > Impersonation of the deceased > Raising public awareness > British Crime Survey > Cost of identity fraud Downloads Latest news FAQ's About Us	Reporting the problem Individuals or business operators who have been a victim of fraud in the last 12 months and want to report it, are encouraged to contact Action Fraud - the National Fraud Reporting Centre. If you believe you are a victim of identity fraud which has involved the use of plastic cards (such as credit and debit cards), online banking, or cheques, the matter should be reported by the account holder directly to the financial institution concerned. They will then be responsible for undertaking further verification and investigation, and, as appropriate, reporting cases of criminal activity directly to the police where they will be recorded and subsequent investigation considered. It should be noted that this process is applicable to England, Wales and Northern Ireland only. These changes to the reporting of plastic card, online banking and cheque fraud were introduced by the Home Office to reduce the level of bureaucracy involved in fraud recording, and to streamline the reporting and initial investigation of such frauds. Where an identity fraud incident has not involved the use of plastic cards, online banking or cheques then you should report the matter to the relevant organisation in the first instance and, dependent on their advice, to your local police station. You should report all lost or stolen documents i.e. passports, driving licences, plastic cards, chequebooks to the relevant organisation. Notify Royal Mail if you suspect mail theft or that a mail redirection has been fraudulently set up on your address – they have an investigations unit who will be able to help.