HowSecureIsMy.com
Based on Action Fraud, NCSC & Citizens Advice guidance

Scams & Identity Theft:
The Complete Guide

UK fraud losses exceed £2.3 billion every year. This guide covers the most common scams targeting people right now, how to spot them, and exactly what to do if you become a victim.

PhishingPhone ScamsSMS ScamsShopping FraudRomance ScamsInvestment FraudIdentity Theft
£2.3bn
Lost to fraud in the UK annually
3.5M
Fraud offences reported per year
80%
Of fraud starts online or by phone
1 in 15
UK adults targeted by scams each year

The Most Common Scams Right Now

Click each scam type to learn how it works, the red flags to watch for, and what to do.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information — name, date of birth, address, National Insurance number, or financial details — without your permission, typically to open fraudulent accounts, take out loans, or make purchases in your name.

Your personal data can be stolen through data breaches (when a company you use is hacked), phishing attacks, physical theft of documents, or by criminals searching through your post or bins. Once a fraudster has enough of your details, they can apply for credit cards, loans, mobile phone contracts, and even mortgages in your name.

Financial Identity Theft
Using your details to open bank accounts, apply for credit, or make purchases.
Criminal Identity Theft
Giving your name and details to police when arrested for a crime.
Medical Identity Theft
Using your identity to obtain medical treatment or prescription drugs.

Warning Signs Your Identity May Have Been Stolen

  • Unexpected bills, statements, or credit cards arriving in the post
  • Being refused credit despite having a good credit history
  • Unfamiliar entries on your credit report
  • Missing post — fraudsters may redirect your mail
  • Calls from debt collectors about debts you don't recognise
  • HMRC contacting you about income you didn't earn
  • Receiving a tax refund you didn't apply for
  • Your bank account showing transactions you didn't make

If You're a Victim: Step-by-Step Action Plan

1
Contact your bank immediately
Call the number on the back of your card. Ask them to freeze your accounts and issue new cards. Report any fraudulent transactions.
2
Report to Action Fraud
Call 0300 123 2040 or report online at actionfraud.police.uk. Get a crime reference number — you'll need this for other steps.
3
Check your credit file
Check your credit report with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion for accounts you didn't open. You can add a CIFAS protective registration to make it harder for fraudsters to open accounts in your name.
4
Change all compromised passwords
Use our password generator to create strong, unique passwords for every account. Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts.
5
Notify relevant organisations
Contact HMRC if your National Insurance number was compromised. Notify your local council if your address was used fraudulently. Contact DVLA if your driving licence details were stolen.
6
Document everything
Keep records of all communications, transactions, and reports. This will be essential for any insurance claims or legal proceedings.

How to Protect Yourself

🔐
Use strong, unique passwords
A different strong password for every account means one breach can't compromise everything.
Password Guide
📱
Enable two-factor authentication
Even if a fraudster gets your password, 2FA stops them accessing your account.
Learn About 2FA
📧
Be sceptical of unsolicited contact
Treat any unexpected email, text, or call asking for action or information with suspicion.
Phishing Guide
🔍
Monitor your credit file
Check your credit report regularly for accounts you didn't open. Use Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.
🗑️
Shred sensitive documents
Shred bank statements, utility bills, and any post containing your personal details before disposal.
🌐
Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is easily intercepted. A VPN encrypts your traffic so criminals can't eavesdrop.
VPN Guide

Key Reporting Contacts

Action Fraud
0300 123 2040 | actionfraud.police.uk
National fraud and cybercrime reporting centre
NCSC Phishing
Forward suspicious emails here
SMS Scams
Text 7726 (free)
Report spam texts to your network provider
FCA ScamSmart
register.fca.org.uk
Check if a financial firm is FCA-registered
CIFAS
cifas.org.uk
Add a protective registration to your credit file
Citizens Advice
0808 223 1133
Free advice if you've been scammed

Check Your Passwords

Strong, unique passwords are your first line of defence against account takeover.

Check Password Strength

Check for Data Breaches

See if your email has appeared in any known data breaches that could put you at risk.

Check My Email
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