Obtaining your credit file

You can obtain your credit file from any of the three credit reference agencies listed [click here]. Some also offer consumers secure online access to their credit files.

Consumer finance identity theft information

These organisations provide general advice and information about fraud relating to consumer finance.

• APACS - http://www.apacs.org.uk/

• Information and advice to stay safe online http://www.banksafeonline.org.uk

• British Bankers' Association – http://www.bba.org.uk/
  General consumer advice for banking-related products and services

• Information on finance-related scams and swindles http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/scams

• CardWatch – http://www.cardwatch.org.uk/
  Information and tips on using your plastic cards safely

• CIFAS – The UK's Fraud Prevention Service – http://www.cifas.org.uk/

• Information about identity fraud and how to apply for protective registration
  http://www.identityfraud.org.uk/

Reporting the theft or loss of mail or documents

If you lose any important mail or documents, you should notify the following organisations:

• Royal Mail – http://www.royalmail.com/
  
  Royal Mail Customer Services provides a host of options to re-direct your mail and to report the loss or theft of any mail. Follow the link for Customer Service

• Identity and Passport Service – http://www.ips.gov.uk/
  Information about lost or stolen passports
  Information about identity cards and biometric passports
  Identity and Passport Service news page – latest information about the Identity and Passport Service and its anti-fraud initiatives

• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency – http://www.dvla.gov.uk/

• What to do if your driving licence has been lost, stolen, destroyed or defaced
  www.dvla.gov.uk

General Fraud Prevention

The following sites provide general information and advice on fraud and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim:

• Home Office – http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/

• Fraud information page
  http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/reducing-crime/fraud/

• Fraud Reduction website – http://www.uk-fraud.info/
  The Fraud Reduction website is published by the National Working Group on Fraud on behalf of the UK Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO – http://www.acpo.police.uk/). This website deals primarily with commercial fraud in a policing context. The information contained in these pages is intended to provide advice for individuals and businesses on how to recognise fraud, how to avoid it through preventative measures, and how to respond to suspected frauds.

• Crimestoppers – http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
  Details of how to report crimes, with the option of reporting anonymously

• Foreign & Commonwealth Office – http://www.fco.gov.uk/

• Know before you go – travel advice section – tips for keeping your documents and money safe whilst travelling www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

• Get Safe Online – http://www.getsafeonline.org
  Advice on how to protect yourself against internet threats