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How the National Identity Service can help protect your identity

As the National Identity Register will hold an identity card owner's biographic and biometric details securely, it is able to provide confirmation that you are the rightful owner of an identity record.

Because it will be your unique physical features on record, those intent on identity theft will have greater difficulty impersonating you if you are registered on the National Identity Register. Anyone trying to create a second identity under your name will have problems because you are already on the National Identity Register.

• What is the National Identity Service?

Avoiding identity theft and fraud

Using just a few of your personal details, criminals can apply for bank accounts, credit cards, benefits and official documents using your identity.

You can help protect your identity by:

• shredding all personal information before throwing it away in your rubbish; this includes anything referring to bank statements, national insurance details, salary information, even old membership cards
• tearing off and destroying the name and address on the envelopes you receive
• deleting suspicious-looking emails, and making sure you have a firewall on your computer and keep your anti-virus software up to date
• never giving out your personal information wherever you can be overheard by others
• telling your utility company, local authority (for Council Tax and electoral register), and service providers when you are moving home

• Advice on identity theft Opens new window

Keep your personal details to yourself

Personal details should only ever be revealed when it is your decision to give them out. Even your bank will never ask you for your PIN or your online account password; and neither will any trustworthy online retailer or auction site. Remember:

• never give out your personal details to a telephone caller, such as your date of birth or mother's maiden name
• always delete emails asking you to 'update' bank account details (spoofers can easily steal the branding of high street names and fraudulent emails will often appear genuine)

Monitor your credit report

You can order your credit report. Anyone who has ever signed up for a credit card, or taken out a loan or mortgage, has a credit file held by one of three main credit reference agencies. This includes details of organisations with which you have had financial dealings in recent years.

A statutory credit report by post costs £2. When you receive your report, check it thoroughly. If you find anything that you don't recognise, contact the relevant credit reference agency.

Report missing mail

If you think your post might have been intercepted or stolen, contact the Royal Mail. You can report the details on the Royal Mail website, or speak to a customer service advisor on 08457 740 740. They will direct your query to an investigations unit that will handle your enquiry. You can arrange for Royal Mail to redirect your post for up to a year - even if you move abroad.

• Royal Mail - report late or lost mail Opens new window

How can I tell if my identity has been stolen?

Signs that you have become a victim of identity theft might include:

• unusual payments or direct debits appearing on your bank statements
• important mail going missing - to be on the safe side, you should know when to expect a bank statement or a new cheque book to arrive, and if it doesn't, tell your bank
• contents of recycling bins and rubbish bags being tampered with
• bills arriving for things that you haven't bought or for services you haven't ordered