Your identity and personal information are valuable. Criminals can find out your personal details and use them to open bank accounts and get credit cards, loans, state benefits and documents such as passports and driving licences in your name.

Cumbria Constabulary offer the following advice on identity theft

• Don’t throw away any documents containing your details – Destroy them by shredding or at least cutting them up.
• Utility bills are often used to ‘prove’ identity so destroy them when no longer needed.
• Be aware that unsolicited mail (offers of loans, credit cards, insurance etc) can contain your details – sometimes even your date of birth.
• Check your bank & credit card statements for anything irregular.  
• If you think you have become a victim of identity theft contact whoever provided the account involved immediately.
• You can find further info and advice on www.identitytheft.org.uk.