Advice on keeping your identity safe

Fraudsters can acquire and use your personal details in a variety of ways. Find out how to prevent and respond to the growing problem of identity theft.

Your identity is valuable. Fraudsters know this. They can use the information you share online to pretend to be you and apply for bank accounts, mobile phones, loans or a wide range of other products in your name.

As a victim of identity fraud, you might not realise you’ve been targeted until a bill arrives for something you didn’t buy, or you experience problems with your credit rating. To carry out this kind of fraud successfully, fraudsters usually have access to their victim’s personal information, which they obtain in a variety of ways – such as through hacking and data loss, as well as using social media to put the pieces of someone’s identity together. 88% of fraudulent applications for bank accounts and financial products were made online in 2016.

Watch our award-winning campaign film Data to Go, which highlights just how
easy it is for fraudsters to get your personal information from the Internet.

Cifas has three decades of experience in combating fraud, and we offer a wealth of advice to individuals on how to protect themselves from identity fraud. Bookmark this page, read our blog, or follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest news on identity theft and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Protective Registration

If you are worried your personal details have been stolen, or you’ve noticed unusual activity on an account, you may be at risk of becoming a victim of identity fraud. For £30 for two years, our Protective Registration service reduces that risk. Find out more about Protective Registration and apply today.

Identity protection methods such as our Protective Registration service do often mean that processes that were once quick – such as applying for a financial product – take slightly longer than before. Any delay you experience, however, brings with it peace of mind and a reduction in the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.

Like social media? How to keep your accounts safe

Your social media profiles can be a treasure trove of useful information for financial criminals – find out how to stay safe and social.

How to safely buy and sell vehicles online

Buying and selling vehicles has never been easier, but online transactions also provide opportunity for fraudsters. Find out how to avoid becoming a victim.

Booking and paying for holidays online with confidence

Holiday planners are prime targets for fraudsters on the Internet. Find out how you can book your holiday online as safely as visiting a local travel agent.

What to do if you’ve been impersonated

If you’re unfortunate enough to have fallen foul of a fraudster who has obtained your personal details, there are a number of things you can do to counter the impact, and curtail their activities.

Read our Victim of Impersonation advice for a better understanding of how you can respond to becoming a victim of identity fraud.

Necessary cookies

User Experience cookies