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Identity Theft Identity theft is when somebody steals your name and other personal information to commit fraud.In cases of identity theft, your financial information is often stolen and transactions and purchases are made in your name. Identity theft is a form of identity crime - where somebody uses a false identity to commit a crime. You may even be framed for a crime if you are a victim. Did you know...? Identity fraud costs the UK economy an estimated £1.2bn a year. That's £25 for every adult in Britain. (identitytheft.org.uk)Identity theft can be an upsetting experience for the victim. It can be months before the fraudster's actions are discovered and it can take several months more to sort out the problems created as a result.
· Always think before you give away your personal details. Ask yourself the following questions: o Who exactly is asking for my details? o What details are they asking for? o Why do they need to know these details? · Dispose of documents with any personal information on them securely. A shredder is one of the most effective methods. Even envelopes with your name and address on can be useful to an identity thief.Identity theft is not a victimless crime and identity thieves are often linked to organised criminal networks. Money fraudulently obtained by them is used to finance larger scams. Identity fraud has been closely linked with human trafficking, illegal immigration, drug running, terrorism and money-laundering.
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