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Help protect yourself from identity theft
With cases of identity theft on the rise in the UK, read our six tips to help keep your personal information safe
February 3, 2026
According to fraud prevention service, Cifas, there were almost 250,000 identity fraud cases filed in 2024. With identity theft on the rise in the UK, this article will equip you with six tips to help keep your personal information safe and advice on what to do if you think you’ve experienced this type of fraud.
Fraudsters can use your personal information for all sorts of things from seizing your existing bank account to taking out a loan in your name. So, it’s worth taking steps to help keep your identity, and your money, safer…
Tips to help protect you from identity theft
1. Review your financial documents regularly
Regularly check for any unauthorised transactions on your accounts. This is good practice because you can ensure that all payments and the amounts charged are correct. If anything looks suspicious, notify your bank to discuss your concerns. If it turns out to be legitimate, there’s no harm in having double-checked a transaction. If you find evidence of fraud, you can usually freeze your account to stop any additional charges.
Invoices, bills, or confirmation emails for purchases you don’t recognise could also be signs of identity theft, as well as receiving One-Time Passcodes that you didn’t request. If you receive these, reach out to the company directly through a verified channel.
2. Monitor your credit reports
Identity fraud can also impact your credit score if fraudulent credit agreements are taken out using your stolen identity. Check whether any new credit accounts have been opened or applied for in your name by reviewing your credit report. You can get a copy of the report through a Credit Reference Agency. The sooner you identify suspicious new lines of credit, the sooner you can stop further fraud that could impact your credit score.
3. Going on holiday? Take extra care
Sometimes travel and hotel companies can ask you to share important documents, like passports, when booking online or when you arrive at a destination. Be careful who you share these with - check that they're a legitimate organisation and don’t be afraid to ask them to explain why a copy is necessary if you’re unsure.
For more information on how to stay safe online, read our tips.
4. Collect and dispose of your mail carefully
It’s easy to forget, especially as so many of our transactions are online, but we still get financial statements and other documents with account numbers and sensitive information through the letterbox. If you live in a building with a shared area for your letters, take extra note as you don’t want others to get access to personal data. If you’re going away, consider asking the post office to hold your mail until you return. When you’re ready to dispose of an important document, make sure to shred it so that your information doesn’t get into the wrong hands.
5. Be careful not to overshare personal information on social media
Social media accounts could offer huge amounts of personal information to criminals. To help keep this information safe, keep your settings switched to private, review your connections regularly, and don’t overshare details that could be useful for identity theft fraudsters (address, bank details etc.). If you receive any unsolicited calls, emails, or texts asking for personal or financial information, be cautious and verify who it’s from by reaching out on another official channel.
6. Make sure your National Insurance number stays secure
This is a unique number personal to you which means it can be a very useful piece of data for identity theft fraudsters. Keep your number in a safe place and be very careful about sharing it with others.
What to do you if you think you’ve experienced identity theft
If you’re suspicious of activity in your account and are concerned that you have been a victim of identity theft, get in contact with the bank or organisation and let them know what’s happened. It’s also a good idea to change your passwords and report identity theft to Report Fraud for further investigation.
Be vigilant and think SCAM
Our Stop, Check, Act, Monitor (SCAM) approach is designed to help you protect what’s yours. Read our article to learn more.
For more information on what you can do to protect yourself from fraud, visit our security centre.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualised professional advice. Articles on this website were commissioned and approved by Marcus by Goldman Sachs®, but may not reflect the institutional opinions of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Goldman Sachs International Bank, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries or divisions. Information and opinions expressed in this article are as of the date of this material only and subject to change without notice. This article is not a product of Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research. The information contained in this article does not constitute a recommendation from any Goldman Sachs entity to the recipient, and Goldman Sachs is not providing any financial, economic, legal, investment, accounting, or tax advice through this article or to its recipient. Neither Goldman Sachs nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this article and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage) is expressly disclaimed.
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