• An estimated 80,000 incidences of deceased identity fraud occurred in 2008*

• 16% of all people who died in 2008 had their ID's stolen*

• Identity fraud cost the economy £1.2 billion in 2008***

• There was a 32% surge in ID crime in 2009*

• At any one time pensions are being paid to 70,000 deceased persons**

• The estimated cost to pensions companies is £200 million a year**

• A victim of identity fraud can typically expect to spend between 3 and 48 hours rectifying the fraudster's handiwork*

And, of course, the distress and anxiety caused to bereaved family members is immeasurable.

* Source: CIFAS
**Source: BDO Stoy Hayward
***Source: Identity Fraud Steering Committee