The survey also highlights why the area is becoming a growing concern for the security industry, revealing over a quarter of identity theft victims find that they know the perpetrator, proving that simply shredding bank statements is not enough.

Barry Stamp, author of the Identity Theft Self-Help Kit, said, “Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK, however so many people do nothing to protect themselves – or think simply shredding confidential documents will suffice. As ID fraudsters used more advanced technology, consumer and businesses need to be more aware of how to protect themselves.”

The news comes as Lawpack Publishing, Britain’s self-help legal publisher, announces the launch of its new title Identity Theft Self-Help Kit, written by Barry Stamp, to help people protect themselves against identity theft.

The Identity Theft Self-Help Kit offers simple and accessible advice on how to protect yourself against becoming a victim. It offers advice on how identity theft is carried out and the ways to reduce the threat, as well as explaining how victims learn they have been targeted.

The book lists precautions to take when buying items over the internet, when travelling abroad and when receiving calls from potential employers. There are also a variety of alarming case studies included in the kit (see below).

Barry Stamp said: “The kit isn’t there to scare people, just to demonstrate how a few simple measures can quickly lessen your chances of becoming a victim of identity fraud. The kit can also help businesses. Many small business owners protect their personal details and then forget to carry out the same procedures at work”

Thomas Coles, Managing Director of Lawpack Publishing, added: “As a company, through our books and self-help kits, we are committed to advising people on legal issues in the most accessible way possible. The Identity Theft Self-Help Kit offers advice in a simple and clear manner on how to protect against fraudsters for what is an increasingly common crime.”

Case Studies

1.  Hero of the Selby train disaster, trauma surgeon Dr Paul Grout was arrested after FBI agents linked his PC and credit card details to child pornography sites in the US.  18 months later the case was heard in court, during which time friends just ‘faded away’ and Dr Grout was sacked from his high profile job. It was proven he was the victim of impersonation fraud and the case was dismissed against him.

2.  Bristol pensioner Derek Bond was arrested on arrival in South Africa as he started a wine-tasting holiday after the FBI mistook him for a dangerous fugitive wanted for a telemarketing scam in the US. He spent almost three weeks behind bars at a police station in Durban. He was freed after the FBI admitted that the man they wanted had stolen Mr Bond’s identity.

3.  A 29-year-old bank official from Uxbridge, Vikki Anderson, knew something was wrong when she received a call from loan broker asking when she would like her new car loan repayments to start, as she had not bought a car. Further investigation revealed that following the theft of her handbag, over £20,000 of car loans had been taken out in her name by an identity thief.  Her credit files revealed all fraudulent activity and the impostor loans were cancelled promptly.