There is no doubt that identity fraud is on the rise. Just as crime prevention organizations begin identifying the most recent scams, newer fraud techniques are developed. According to a report made by Equifax, Cifas (a UK fraud prevention agency), indicated that there was an increase in identity fraud by 32% in 2009. The best way in stopping identity fraud is to prevent it before it even begins; however, if you find yourself victimized, there are steps that you can take.

Upon discovering the fraud, it is important to immediately contact your local police department, credit and banking account companies, the social security office, and credit reporting agencies. Under the Consumer Credit Act of 1974, you are not liable for debts incurred by a fraudster, if you have acted honestly and have used reasonable care.

After informing the credit reporting agencies, a block will be placed by all reporting agencies to provide further protection. You should always check over all reports and notify the agencies of any suspicious or inaccurate information and activity.

Other steps you should take would be to keep a record of all personal transactions you make. Also, if you haven’t already begun shredding personal documents, letters, and other sources of information, it is never too late to begin. If you cannot afford a shredder, be sure to at least tear, burn, or destroy them. This will help to stop fraudsters in their tracks as they find a lot of information by digging through discarded trash and papers.

Finally, use extreme caution when giving out personal information online. The internet has become a huge arena for professional con artists and thieves who look for vulnerable people to scam and steal from. Phishing is a very common way for identity thieves to capture and steal your information. Never give out any personal information on websites or links that you are not familiar with or do not trust. Lastly, using an identity theft service company, such as Lifelock, can be the best solution in stopping identity fraud.