Identity fraud is one of the most complicated forms of crime, basically, this is whereby someone tends to steal someone else's identity with the motive of opening credit card accounts, applying for loans, or to buy merchandise using his or her new impersonated identity.

Most people normally tend to confuse between identity fraud and credit card theft. Many have the misconception that if someone steals another individual's credit card, then this should be categorized as identity fraud. This is not the case. According to law experts, identity fraud can simply be described as the unlawful process of changing identity. It basically involves the act of impersonating the identity of another individual in order to get a credit or even procure merchandise. In some cases, some identity fraudsters opt to create their own identity. This makes it even harder to track them down once they commit the crime.

However, it is not necessarily that identity fraud includes identity theft. There are some cases whereby an individual gives another his or her identity information so that they may help them perform some activity or run some errand on their behalf. In such a case, the individual can decide to use the identity to perform some fraudulent activity. This is what is referred to as identity fraud without identity theft and it is why it is very advisable to make sure that your identity details are kept personal.

The act of identity fraud has really become rampant in today's society as even the high-rollers get to indulge in it. Identity fraud has become a key part of the money laundering schemes. In an organized crime, identity fraud is used to get access to certain services or even goods that will in turn aid in the money laundering.

You may already be a victim of identity theft if:

items have appeared on your bank or credit card statements that you do not recognise;
you applied for a state benefit but are told that you are already claiming;
you receive bills, invoices or receipts addressed to you for goods or services you haven't asked for;
you have been refused a financial service, such as a credit card or a loan, despite having a good credit history;
a mobile phone contract has been set up in your name without your knowledge; or
you have received letters from solicitors or debt collectors for debts that aren't yours.
If you think you may have been a victim of identity fraud you may want some more information visit http://www.identitytheft.org.uk/