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Identity Theft and Fraud awareness Identity theft is the theft of personal details.
Identity fraud is when those details are used to commit fraud.
Once stolen, your information can be used to:
- Open bank accounts in your name
- Apply for credit cards, loans or other finances
- Order goods and services online
- Take over your existing accounts
- Set up mobile phone contracts
- Obtain genuine documents such as passports or driving licences in your name
This type of crime can have long lasting impacts and serious consequences for the victim.
Prevention is key. How to protect yourself:
Online accounts:
- Regularly check your accounts,
- Do not use the same password across multiple accounts.
- Change your password on a regular basis
If something is amiss, report this to the company immediately
Physical documents:
- Keep important documents secure and safe
- If your documents are stolen, always report it to the relevant agencies
- If you believe an item has been stolen, always report it to the Police as this could be the first step towards identity fraud
When throwing out paperwork, Shred it! No shredder? Use a black marker or holepunch to hide/cut out sensitive information External Mailbox
- Collect mail quickly, not leaving post to sit in the box overnight
- Choose a post box with a narrow slot, to prevent people from reaching in and taking your post out.
- Fit a lock. A secure, lockable letterbox can stop others reaching in.
Further advice can be found on Action Fraud's website.
The below link will take you to our website, where you can make an online report.
https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ Report identify fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2024 
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