Identity crisis

Figures out yesterday suggest identity fraud is costing the UK economy £1.7bn - that's £35 for every adult in the UK.

The cost may not be passed on to us directly, but it does mean we ultimately pay more for all kinds of things, from credit cards to passports. And it seems we are not doing as much as we could to protect ourselves.

According to Colin Whitehair, the chief executive of HBOS Identity Care, there are two types of ID theft. In one, a fraudster sets up an account in your name, and in the other somebody takes control of your account, perhaps by stealing your password and logging in online. Both areas are growing.

Unfortunately, you can't entirely rule out the possibility of becoming a victim. Whether it is a hotel leaving details in a skip or hackers targeting an employer's computer network - as happened to employees of Network Rail and Jobcentre Plus - there are ways for determined criminals to get hold of details that are beyond anyone's control.

However, people can reduce the chances of it happening to them. "You've got to look out for yourself and not take unnecessary risks," Mr Whitehair says.

Steps that can be taken include being aware of the type of information available from documents thrown in the bin, watching out for "shoulder surfers" at the cash machine, and suspecting anyone who calls out of the blue and asks for details.

In short, becoming a little bit paranoid about protecting your details.