IDENTITY fraud has risen by 27 per cent in the first three months of 2015 in the UK, recent figures have revealed.

These finding have been released as Cheshire Police Economic Crime Unit gears up to launch its awareness campaign encouraging people to protect their personal information. 

The Not With My Name campaign, which is produced in partnership with the City of London Police, aims to target identity crime.

Identity fraud is an offence that one in four UK adults is believed to have fallen victim to - losing on average £1,200 each. 

Detective inspector Karen Jaundrill of the Cheshire Police Economic Crime Unit, said: "We are encouraging people to take the time to read this advice and look at ways you can protect yourself, your family and your business. 

"Once your personal details have been obtained criminals then use a number of methods to commit fraud including widespread use of the internet." 

To report an incident of fraud call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk.