How big a problem is identity theft?

According to the BBC, identity fraud is one of the UK's fastest growing crimes. The Home Office estimates that it now costs the economy £1.7 billion a year.¹ Over 185,00 cases of fraud were recorded during 2007, an increase of 8% on 2006.

Nearly one in ten Britons believe they have been the victim of online identity fraud in the last 12 months.²