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How do you know when you’ve been targeted by identity fraud? With our busy lives, it may take a while for most of us to notice. These are some of the key signs which indicate that you might be a victim of identity fraud:

• If your driving license or passport has been lost or stolen.
• When checking your bank statements, unexpected items appear on it.
• If some or all of your post hasn’t arrived.
• If you’ve been told that you’re already receiving state benefit when you aren’t.
• If you’ve applied for and not been successful at receiving a credit card, a loan or other financial services.
• If debt collectors send you letters asking for to repay debts that aren’t yours.

Key measures you can take to protect yourself

• Don’t reveal your card PINs to anyone else.
• Ignore any organisation (even a ‘bank’) that asks your for PIN, personal data or card security codes. Banks never ask you to reveal your PIN.
• Install a firewall on your computer and continually update your anti-virus software.
• Store all personal documents in a secure, preferably lockable place, such as a in a safe.
• Carefully check your bank statements and phone your bank for any items that you don’t recognise.
• Documents such as bills, bank statements, or other documents with your address on them should be carefully thrown away. The best option is to shred these documents.