A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help the one in four adults affected by identity crime, after there was a 27 per cent increase in the crime at the beginning of this year.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has launched the “Not With My Name Campaign” to encourage people to protect their personal information.

It is in partnership with the City of London Police to help target identity crime in the community.

From July 29- July 3, the force will be Tweeting and Facebooking crime prevention messages.

An estimated 12.275 million people are believed to have fallen victim to identity fraud, losing on average £1,200 each.

Men are 1.7 times more likely than women to have their identity stolen and victims often find that money has been taken out of their bank or that their account has been taken over, fraudulent passports and driving licences created in their names or loans etc have been set up using their identity. The wider effects for society are also concerning with the proceeds of identity crime often being used to fund further criminal activity, says the force.

The campaign will be highlighting advice focused on helping people protect their personal information.

This will include pointers on creating safe passwords, protecting internet devices, dealing with unsolicited phone calls and emails, and safely storing and disposing of mail.

A key part of the campaign will be delivered across police force Facebook and Twitter accounts and on June 29 at 5pm there will be a national Twitter chat, hosted by @action frauduk. Individuals and businesses that have fallen vVictims to a fraud facilitated by an identity crime should report to Action Fraud on 030012-32040 or at actionfraud.police.uk.