Identity fraud facts

What you need to know about identity theft and identity fraud

Identity fraud is on the rise in the UK as criminals steal address information, PINs and passwords and more to commit fraud.

ProtectMyID alerts you to certain changes to your Experian Credit Report that could be a sign of potential fraud, and helps sort everything out if you do become a victim. Here are some ways to help protect yourself from common forms of identity fraud.

Fraud statistics

20% Fraud rates have risen by 20% in the last year.
^{Source: Experian Fraud Report 2016}

Current accounts are the fastest growing target for identity thieves.
^{Source: Experian Fraud Report 2016}

Menare almost twice as likely to be victims of ID theft than women .
^{Source: Experian Fraud Report 2016}

ID theft now accounts for more than half of all detected fraud cases.
^{Source: Experian Fraud Report 2016}

Current accounts are the product most targeted by identity fraudsters.
^{Source: Experian Fraud Report 2016}

200 hours It can take a victim over 200 hours to sort out their lives and clear their names in extreme cases of ID fraud.
^{Source: Cifas 2015}

What the identity fraudsters need from you

Identity thieves steal your personal information and documents to commit fraud. Here's what they are looking for - and how to stop them getting it.

Your bank statement

Bank statements give fraudsters your full name, address and account number – and if yours shows you have a large overdraft limit, it can tell them you’re a valuable target.

Protect yourself: shred your bank statements before you throw them away, or opt for paperless statements and check your accounts online.

Security code on the back of your credit card

Fraudsters often need this to use your card, and may call or email asking for it after stealing your address and card data.

Protect yourself: never give out your security code unless you initiated the call or purchase, and double-check your statements after a suspicious call. Banks will never call and ask for your security code.

Your PINs and passwords

Criminals need your PIN to use your card on the high street. With passwords, it´s not just internet banking codes they´re after - even your email password can give access to lots of information about you.

Protect yourself: use different passwords for all your accounts, and never log in to your bank account from a public computer.

Your driving licence or passport

Photo IDs can be altered by experts. A criminal with your passport can impersonate you in banks, with estate agents or even to the police, leaving you with a criminal record for a crime the fraudster committed.

Protect yourself: keep your documents at home in a safe or locked drawer. Only carry them with you when you need them.

Online banking information

Criminals create fake banking websites (phishing sites) to steal your bank account access details for online fraud.

Protect yourself: never click a link in an email directing you to a banking website. Log in to your online banking account via your bank´s home page.

ProtectMyID

Identity fraud facts

What you need to know about identity theft and identity fraud

Fraud statistics

What the identity fraudsters need from you

Your bank statement

Security code on the back of your credit card

Your PINs and passwords

Your driving licence or passport

Online banking information

Experian customers say...

About Experian

Our partners

Contact us

Business Services

Your security