TL;DR: In the UK, identity theft and fraud are reported to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre, either online or by phone — this creates an official crime reference number.
How to Report Identity Theft in the UK — a clear, step-by-step guide to what to do and how long it takes.
Step 1: Report to Action Fraud
In the UK, identity theft and fraud are reported to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre, either online or by phone — this creates an official crime reference number.
Step 2: Register with CIFAS
Consider registering for CIFAS Protective Registration, a service that flags your details to lenders so they carry out extra checks before approving credit in your name.
Step 3: Contact your bank and card issuers
Notify any banks or card providers where fraudulent activity occurred so they can freeze affected accounts and begin their own investigation.
Step 4: Check your credit report
Request your credit report from a UK credit reference agency (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion UK) to check for accounts you don't recognize.
Step 5: Keep your crime reference number
Save the reference number from your Action Fraud report — banks and other organizations will often ask for it when you dispute fraudulent activity.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading How to Report Tax Identity Theft to the IRS.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see How to Reverse a Wire Transfer Scam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Report to Action Fraud
In the UK, identity theft and fraud are reported to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre, either online or by phone — this creates an official crime reference number.
Step 2: Register with CIFAS
Consider registering for CIFAS Protective Registration, a service that flags your details to lenders so they carry out extra checks before approving credit in your name.
Step 3: Contact your bank and card issuers
Notify any banks or card providers where fraudulent activity occurred so they can freeze affected accounts and begin their own investigation.
Step 4: Check your credit report
Request your credit report from a UK credit reference agency (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion UK) to check for accounts you don't recognize.
Step 5: Keep your crime reference number
Save the reference number from your Action Fraud report — banks and other organizations will often ask for it when you dispute fraudulent activity.