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Identity fraud

The catch

Identity fraud is where someone impersonates you without your knowledge or consent, or uses your personal information to obtain money, goods or services.

It has been described as the fastest-growing fraud in the UK. The latest estimate is that identity fraud costs the UK economy £1.7 billion.

If it happens to you, you may find bills arriving for accounts you don't have and goods you haven't bought, debt collectors demanding payment for debts that aren't yours, and your own applications for credit refused. Sorting out the mess could take you a very long time.

Protect yourself

The Home Office Identity Theft website has tips on how to protect yourself, what to do if it happens to you and contact details of organisations that can help.