City of York Council is advising residents how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

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The initiative is part of the authority's 'Feeling and Being Safe' campaign, which aims to tackle issues of personal safety, property safety, enforcement activity and the fear of crime.

Identity theft occurs when someone's personal information is used by another person without their permission. It's one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK.

Criminals who obtain someone's personal information can use them to open bank accounts and obtain credit cards  or loans and driving licences.

Liz Levett, Trading Standards manager at City of York Council, said: "Everyone should take practical steps to minimise the risk of identity fraud. Personal documents such as utility bills, or bank statements could fall into fraudsters hands - so they should be torn up or shredded when they are no longer of use to you.

"People should also take care when using credit cards. Skimming - where someone's card details are copied at a cash machine or pay counter is increasingly common. Check that the cash machine you are using doesn't appear to have been tampered with and never divulge details of you PIN. Phishing - e-mails designed to persuade you to re-register your bank details - can allow fraudsters to raid your bank account. Similarly, beware if you get a phone call purporting to be from your bank or credit card company asking to check personal information and card details - genuine calls will never ask you to verify information in this way.

"Many people don't realise just how much of a problem identity fraud can be.
If someone's identity is stolen they could spend months trying to sort out the swindle, and it could be virtually impossible for them to get a loan, credit card or mortgage until the matter is sorted out. "

Anyone wanting more advice on how to avoid identity fraud should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.