Advice and further information

Paul Kenyon investigates identity fraud

For further information on the issues raised in Kenyon Confronts: Identity Snatchers, please see the following:

Please note the BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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Some warning signs of ID theft and fraud:

• Your regular bank or credit card statements fail to appear
• You notice that some of your mail is missing
• Your credit card statement includes charges for items you have not purchased or ordered
• A debt collection agency contacts you about goods you have not ordered or an account you have never opened
• You receive a telephone call or letter saying you have been approved or denied credit for accounts you know nothing about

What to do if you have been the victim of ID theft:

• Contact everyone involved immediately and keep a record of all communications
• Report the incident to the police, especially if it involves stolen identification documents, and ask for a Crime Reference Number, or documentation to record the incident
• If a passport or driving licence is stolen or lost, it should be reported immediately
• Report all stolen cheques or cards to the issuers, and request new ones. Follow up telephone calls with written notification. Get new cards, account numbers, and Personal Identification Numbers
• Notify the Post Office if you suspect mail theft - they have an investigations unit who will be able to help
• If you have become a victim of ID fraud, destroy all cheques and cards, close your account and tell your bank you would prefer to open a new one

Useful internet links for more in-depth information :

Former Scotland Yard officer, Tom Craig, who was interviewed on the programme and also took your questions in the interactive forum, is now a consultant for credit reference agencies.

Click here to visit his website

The Home Office

Government Entitlement Card Unit

Experian : An independent company providing corporate and individual financial information for credit assessment

Click here to visit their website

Equifax : An information management company for consumer and commercial finance

Click here to visit their website

Privacy International : A human rights watchdog on surveillance by governments and corporations

Click here to visit their website

Charter 88 : An independent organisation concerned with promoting democracy and monitoring government accountability

Click here to visit their website

Asylum Aid : A charity which provides free legal advice and representation to refugees and asylum-seekers

Click here to visit their website

Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility : Addresses the social and ethical impact of information and communication technologies through research, consultancy and education

Click here to visit their website

Campaign Against the Entitlement Card : An independent lobbying group against the Entitlement Card

Click here to visit their website

No 2 id Cards : An independent lobbying group against the Identity Card

Click here to visit their website

CIFAS: An independent fraud prevention service

Click here to visit their website

Liberty: An organisation protecting civil liberties and human rights

Click here to visit their website

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Kenyon Confronts: Identity Snatchers was broadcast on BBC One on Wednesday, 8 January at 1930 GMT.

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