Identity Theft

Identity theft is when someone steals and uses another person’s personal information, like their name and financial details, to commit fraud or trick others, usually to make money. Risks Financial loss – Fraudsters can drain bank accounts, rack up credit card charges, or transfer money without permission Damaged credit score – Unauthorised borrowing in a person’s name harms their credit rating, affecting their ability to get loans or mortgages Unauthorised accounts – Criminals may open new credit cards, take out loans, or sign up for services using a person’s identity Account takeovers – Email, social media, or online banking accounts can be compromised, giving attackers access to personal data and further accounts, and giving the attacker an ability to pose as the victim Legal complications – Victims may be held liable for debts or crimes committed in their name, requiring time and legal costs to clear their debt, obligation or reputation Tax fraud – Thieves can file false tax returns using a person’s National Insurance number to claim refunds or benefits Medical fraud – A person’s identity could be used to obtain prescriptions, treatments, or equipment, affecting their medical records Time and stress – Resolving identity theft can take months or years, involving countless calls to creditors, banks, and agencies Long-term consequences – Even after resolution, victims may face ongoing issues accessing credit or services Emotional impact – Victims often experience anxiety, frustration, and loss of trust in institutions and services Further reading What is identity theft? - Experian Identity Fraud - UK Metropolitan Police The Little Book of Big Scams - UK Metropolitan Police (PDF)