Why Do the Criminals Want My Identity?

There is no typical profile of an identity fraudster - it could be a one-off small time crook working alone, or a large network of criminals using the proceeds to fund organised crime.

There are various reasons why a fraudster might want to steal an identity. Most commonly, it is to hide their real identity for financial benefit:

• To obtain various financial benefits; bank accounts, credit cards, loans and mortgages, goods or services which they have no intention of repaying.
• To claim benefits they are not entitled to or to avoid paying tax.

They may also need a new identity to:

• Hide a poor financial history and avoid paying existing debts.
• Continue various criminal activities without attracting Police attention.
• Drive despite being disqualified
• Work with children
• Remarry and commit bigamy

As well as small-time crooks working alone, criminal networks commit identity fraud on a large scale by using multiple identities. It is estimated that this fraud is responsible for a criminal cash flow of around £10m per day in the UK alone.