Identity fraud has quickly become one of the fastest growing crimes in the United Kingdom. With acts of identity fraud and theft on the rise it has never been more important to make sure that your identity is protected.

Thankfully, there are a number of steps you can take to help protect yourself from identity fraud, and regularly checking your credit report is a great starting point.

Regularly check your Credit Report

The Home Office recommends that in order to help protect yourself from identity it is advised that you regularly check your credit rating. By requesting a copy of your credit file you will be able to easily spot any unusual activity or applications that have been made for credit without your approval.

By being vigilant in monitoring any changes on your credit report you will be in a much better position to quickly act on any unfamiliar entries and put a stop to them immediately.

Shred any documents that contain personal information – don’t just throw them away!

It is important that any documents or letters that contain your personal information (name, address, bank statements or bills) are shredded or destroyed and not just thrown out with household rubbish.

Any letter that contains a scrap of your personal information has the potential to be useful to a thief in stealing your identity. Shredders are cheap these days – get one!

Be vigilant and check your statements regularly

Check your monthly credit card and bank statements for any unusual transactions. Should you see any charges to companies you don’t recognise then give the credit card company a call for further information. It is always a good idea to double-check any entries you are unsure of.

Protect your identity online – be careful what personal information you share online

Always be mindful of the information you share about yourself online. With the popularity of social networking it is far easier than it once was for thieves to find out more personal information about you.

Pay close attention to emails you receive and look out for any phishing scams. Phishing scams are usually where bogus emails are sent out claiming to be from your bank and requesting various forms of personal information.

Phishing scams will ask you for personal details like account numbers, PINs or password – but you shouldn’t ever give away this kind of information.