Identity fraud explained

Your identity is a valuable commodity - keep it safe

In today's fast-paced world of remote transactions, online shopping and electronic communications, your personal identifying details are a valuable asset. You need them to function in everyday life - to open bank accounts, make credit card payments, apply for loans, mortgages and benefits, and to buy products or services online.

Because you can do so much with these unique identifying details - your name, address, date of birth, account numbers - they are prime targets for criminals. With just a few of your personal details a fraudster can take out credit and loans in your name, make purchases and even take over your bank account, rapidly accumulating debts and destroying your credit record.

Fast-growing fraud

A fraudster can find valuable personal information about you on many documents bearing your name and address, as well as online. In 2009 Identity Fraud increased 32% compared to the previous year and over 100,000 people were victims of impersonation (CIFAS, February 2010). ¹

Discover the facts about identity theft

So what can you do about it? Firstly, it's important to know the facts. What is identity theft and where do the threats come from? What can a criminal do with your stolen identity? How will you know if your identity has been stolen? And crucially, what can you do to protect yourself?
You will find all of this information and more in our dedicated identity theft resources section, as well as specific details about online identity theft and the growing problem of commercial identity fraud.

Peace of mind from the professionals

If you want complete peace of mind, why not let the identity protection experts look after your identity for you? CPP's Identity Protection insurance will help you to resolve the consequences of identity theft with up to £60,000 of insurance cover and your own personal fraud expert if the worst happens as well as helping to keep your personal details safe, identify any suspicious activity and more.

If you need time off work, our loss-of-earnings cover provides up to £500 per week for up to six weeks. All we ask is that you contact us before incurring any costs.  We don't cover pre-existing cases but we would still provide you with a personal fraud expert to help resolve the problem.

Find out more about CPP's Identity Protection insurance.

¹ CIFAS is a not for profit Membership association representing the private and public sectors and operating in the public interest.