CHESHIRE Police’s economic crime unit has launched an awareness campaign encouraging people to protect their personal information.


The Not With My Name campaign, produced in partnership with the City of London Police is targeting identity crime in the county’s communities.


Identity fraud is an offence that one in four UK adults is believed to have fallen victim to.


Those targeted by the scammers lose an average of £1,200 each.


Issues around the crime take an average of 200 hours of a person or businesses’ time to resolve.


Victims often find that money has been removed from their bank or their account has been taken over, a fraudulent passport or driving license has been created in their name, or loans, mortgages and mobile phone contracts have been set-up using their identity.


Det Insp Karen Jaundrill, of the Cheshire Police economic crime unit, said: “The aim of this campaign is to raise people’s awareness around the issue of identify fraud.


“We are encouraging people to take the time to read this advice and look at ways you can protect yourself, your family and your business.”


To combat this rising threat the Not With My Name campaign will be highlighting advice focused on helping people protect their personal information. 


This will include pointers on creating safe passwords, protecting internet devices, dealing with unsolicited phone calls and emails, and safely storing and disposing of mail.


Anyone who is victim of a fraud facilitated by an identity crime should report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk.