Protect yourself from identity fraud

Fresh research has been published showing that while awareness of identity fraud is at an all-time high, Britons are ignoring Government and police advice and continuing to put themselves at risk

Take steps to protect yourself

The National Identity Fraud Prevention Week team has produced its invaluable 'Protecting Your Identity' guide, which is free to members of the public. For this and more information on how to protect yourself, and how to cope if you are a victim of identity fraud, visit the official campaign website, www.stop-idfraud.co.uk. In addition, an online identity theft risk assessment is available here.

Keep your personal and confidential documents secure

Always shred, using a cross-cut shredder, before disposing of documentation - bank and credit card statements, utility bills, receipts, direct mail containing any personal information, mortgage applications etc

Regularly check your bank and credit card accounts for unusual transactions

Regularly obtain a copy of your credit report from credit reference agencies Callcredit, Equifax or Experian, and monitor it for discrepancies

When you move home, redirect your mail from your old address to your new address for at least a year. You can now apply online 24/7, visit: www.royalmail.com/redirection for more information