Welcome to AngelCare is Heaven sent....

Unfamiliar transactions

Check your receipts against your card and bank statements regularly. If you find any transactions that you don't recognise, call your card issuer or bank to query them straight away. If you bank online, use this facility to keep a constant eye on any transactions occurring on your accounts.

Credit problems

You can be declined credit for many reasons, but it could be the first indication of identity theft. Ask the lender if they can tell you why you have been refused credit, and which credit reference agency they used.

Requests for personal details

NEVER give out personal details such as your passwords, date of birth, or PIN in response to any call or email claiming to be from your bank or credit card provider. If you're uncertain about any caller, insist on calling them back using a number that you can trust - such as the one on your statement.

Disappearing mail

Make a note of when you normally receive your bank statements and utility bills. If they don't arrive when you expect them, call Royal Mail to make sure a redirection has not been set up without your authority.

Missing important documents

You should be extra vigilant if any of your identifying documents, such as your passport or driving licence, have recently been lost or stolen. Always report these losses immediately to the police, DVLA, or Passport Office - as appropriate.

Police warrants and county court judgements

In extreme cases of identity theft you could be issued with a police warrant or a county court judgement. If you are, explain that you have been the victim of identity theft and the police will advise you on what to do.

Recent bereavements

Criminals sometimes apply for credit in the names of the recently deceased. If you are the executor of a loved one's estate, notify all government departments and any financial companies. You can also register the person's details on the Bereavement Register at

www.the-bereavement-register.org.uk