LEVELS of identity fraud soared to 89,000 in the first six months of 2017, with Hampshire Constabulary alone reporting around 500 cases each month.

To avoid becoming a victim, not-for-profit fraud expert Cifas says: Shred documents, be careful never to post your date of birth or full address on social media, check bank statements and report suspicious transactions immediately.

Online accounts should each have different complex passwords comprising 10+ mixed characters, it adds, and anti-virus software should be installed on all devices and updated when prompted to do so.

Cifas also advises using credit reference agencies, such as Experian or Equifax, to monitor credit files for unexpected changes and reporting any concerns, never sharing PINs or passwords or writing them down.

Further help can be found at: www.hampshire.police. uk or www.actionfraud.police.uk/BRT