What is identity theft?

Identity theft is the theft of personal information that can be used to impersonate you. Report Fraud distinguishes obtaining your details from using them to commit identity fraud. 1

Stolen information can come from discarded documents or deceptive contact. Unfamiliar accounts or bills can indicate that the details have been misused. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How does it work?

  1. A criminal obtains enough personal information to impersonate you. 1
  2. They use documents or deceptive contact to collect those details. 1
  3. They may use the stolen identity to obtain accounts or services. 1

What Report Fraud describes

Report Fraud describes criminals taking personal information from discarded documents. It also describes impersonators contacting people while pretending to represent legitimate organisations. 1

What are the warning signs?

  • You receive bills for goods you did not order. 1
  • An unfamiliar debt collector contacts you. 1
  • A bank statement you expected does not arrive. 1

What to do now

  1. Tell the relevant bank or lender about unfamiliar accounts or transactions. 12
  2. Report stolen documents to their issuer and the police. 1
  3. Check your credit reports for unfamiliar applications. 1

UK reporting and support

  • If you paid a suspected scam, contact your bank using the number on your card. 23
  • Report fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 34
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 4
  • Forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. Forward suspicious texts to 7726. 5

How can you protect yourself?

  • Shred unwanted documents containing personal or financial details. 1
  • Keep important personal documents in a secure place. 1

Frequently asked questions

How is identity theft different from identity fraud?

Theft means obtaining your information. Fraud means using it to commit a crime. 1

Can a deceased person’s identity be misused?

Yes. Report Fraud warns about misuse of deceased people’s personal details. 1

Can identity theft affect more than credit cards?

Yes. Report Fraud lists bank accounts, mobile contracts and other services obtained using stolen identities. 1

Read the longer guide

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

News Pulse

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Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Identity fraud and identity theft. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Ticket fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Police impersonation alert and reporting routes. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Police Scotland, How to report a crime. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).