Reporting identity theft.

If you encounter entries on your credit report from organisations you do not know or items appear on your bank statements that you do not recognise or did not purchase, then you may have been a victim of identity theft.

If you are refused a loan despite having a good credit history, receive bills for goods and services you did not purchase or receive letters from debt collectors and solicitors threatening legal action, then you may be a victim of identity fraud.

We recommend that you take the following steps in reporting identity theft:

• Order your credit report from credit reference agencies. In fact there are 3 big agencies , so an idea is to stagger them and order you credit report every 4 month from a different company so you can cross check things.

• Make sure to study you credit file in detail. Should you find irregularities and entries relating to organisations you do not normally deal with, we recommend that you contact them immediately.

• If you suspect that you may be a victim make sure to keep a record of all your actions, including who you spoke to and when, and copies of letters sent and received.

• If you have reason to believe you are a victim of identity fraud which has involved the use of your credit or debit cards, online banking, or cheques, then you should report this directly to the bank or financial institution concerned.

• It is their responsibility to undertaking further verification and investigation, and if appropriate, reporting cases of criminal activity directly to the police where they will be recorded and subsequent investigation considered. This may differ however in Scotland.

• If the suspected id theft does not involved the use of plastic cards, online banking or cheques then you should report the matter to the relevant organisation and get their advice. You may be advised to report it at your local police station.

• Another tell tale sign that id theft may have occurred is if you are not receiving mail or expected items in the post. The royal Mail has an investigations unit who are able to help and advise you should you suspect mail theft or that a mail redirection has been fraudulently set up on your address.

• Even if you have no firm reason to believe you have become a victim of identity theft , you should always notify the police if your rubbish has been tampered with, or if you have any other related concerns

• Consider registering with the CIFAS Protective Registration Service. CIFAS is a fraud prevention service set up by the UK's consumer credit industry with the aim of preventing financial crime.