Identity theft and benefits

mad_spaniel

I've recently found out that all my important documents- birth certificate, marriage certificate and passport have been stolen. My National insurance number may also be compromised. I currently get ESA contribution based, Industrial Injuries and  DLA. How do I protect myself from someone trying to say they're me and asking for benefits to be sent to a different bank account for instance or using my details fraudulently?. I've googled Benefit fraud and only seem to get in my searches the site that allows you to report someone potentially defrauding someone by e,g working when they say they're unemployed. or e.g cohabiting when they say they're single, so this doesn't seem appropriate. How should I report my concerns? I've read about fraudulent Universal Credit claims being made for advances . I wouldn't be entitled to UC because of the occupational pension I get and capital. I don't fancy sitting at the end of a phone for hours to the relevant departments. Should I simply write to the relevant Benefit addresses outlining what's happened? Telephone ? Anyone else been in a similar situation? Any advice? Thanks 

pmlindyloo

Yes, you need to report this to the relevant benefit departments.

Plus, have a read of this - it might be helpful.

Stolen/Lost Birth, Marriage or Death Certificate – What Should You Do? | UK GRO Certificate (ukgrocertificates.co.uk)

NedS

You should cancel your passport (as stolen) immediately online if you have not already done so:

https://www.gov.uk/report-a-lost-or-stolen-passport

That will prevent anyone from using it as ID to make an online claim for benefits in your name.

mad_spaniel

Thanks NedS. I've already done that. Trouble is, presumably with my birth cert and marriage cert they could reapply with a fake picture and get a new passport? Unless the passport office actually really check the likeness of old and new applications? Or would they be extra diligent because of the stolen passport marker.Anyone?

Browntoa

They check replacement passports pictures against the last one . The stolen marker would also show when they check your new application against their records 

Anybody can apply for copies of birth and marriage certificates for a fee via post , so I wouldn't worry particularly about them

NedS

mad_spaniel said:

Thanks NedS. I've already done that. Trouble is, presumably with my birth cert and marriage cert they could reapply with a fake picture and get a new passport? Unless the passport office actually really check the likeness of old and new applications? Or would they be extra diligent because of the stolen passport marker.Anyone?

Those are questions probably best asked directly to the passport office who should be able to advise you of what measures they are able to put in place to protect you.

mad_spaniel

Thanks Browntoa . My mind is going in a million different directions and I'm panicking. I feel a bit better now, after your reassurance.

changing_ways

Maybe worth paying for a protective marker with CIFAS (www.cifas.org.uk) which would ensure extra checks on anyone who applies for credit using your identity for the next 2 years.

James

An Alternative to CIFAS Protective Registration click below:

MyPAS - The AntiSocial Engineer Limited

What it's all about

The Solution To Identity Fraud - The AntiSocial Engineer Limited