What is identity fraud?

What would you do if your credit cards were stolen? Or if goods that you did not purchase were charged to your credit accounts? Or if unauthorised credit accounts were opened in your name?

These are typical examples of identity fraud, where criminals use the identities of others in order to take over their credit accounts or to open new accounts in their names.

Most of us have never experienced identity fraud and many of us may be unconcerned and believe we're not affected by it. But we are.

Identity fraud is the UK's fastest growing crime. According to the Cabinet Office, identity fraud costs the UK at least £1.3 billion every year and is one of the more difficult frauds to combat. Although lenders are employing more sophisticated methods to spot fraudsters, people who are targeted often take up to 14 months to realise they are victims of identity fraud.

When criminals buy goods and services on credit using false information, we all pay through higher prices and more expensive credit terms, even if our own accounts are untouched. And when someone is victimised by a particularly successful scam, criminals are more likely to continue cheating others using similar fraudulent operations.

Here are some typical cases of identity fraud:

The "Nigerian" scam

Here, the fraudsters send e-mails to people telling them that they can release a fortune that is tied up in an African bank by allowing them to transfer the money into the person's account. In return, the person will be given a share of the profits.

Another variation on this is an e-mail supposedly from the widow of a high-ranking government official pleading for the recipient to help her access her late husband's money. Again, the recipient is asked for their bank details.

The catch with these scams is, of course, that rather than money going into the person's bank account, the fraudsters clean out them out using the details sent to them.

Phishing

This form of fraud has made headlines recently, with Barclays, Lloyds TSB, Natwest and even the Bank of England affected.

Customers have been sent e-mails, apparently from their own bank, saying that the bank was making technical changes. There is a link to go to an internet page where customers are prompted to enter their account details.

This is all in fact an elaborate "spoof" e-mail address that looks like it could belong to the institution. Once the victim has keyed in their own bank details, the fraudsters siphon money out via "mules" – people with UK accounts – to their own accounts abroad. These scams are believed to be run from Eastern Europe.

Lottery and prize draw wins

E-mails are sent out to people telling them they've won a lottery or prize draw and they need to send a payment for "administration" or some other purpose in order to claim their winnings. Of course, there is no prize...

Here are some ways to help reduce the risk of your identity being stolen

Be careful who you give personal information to. Check the identity of people who call, for example saying they are from your bank or credit card company, and ask for sensitive information. Call them back using the number Directory Enquiries gives you for the organisation.

Only use secure websites when submitting personal information over the internet (look for https:// in the URL or the padlock sign at the bottom of the page). Visit www.cardwatch.org.uk for further tips.

Shred sensitive rubbish (such as bank statements, utility bills, credit card receipts).