If you believe that Deceased Identity Fraud has taken or is taking place you should:

• Contact your local police station to report your concerns. Ask for a crime number to be issued which you may need at a later stage.

• Inform the financial organisations concerned.

• Keep copies of all correspondence and log any telephone conversations. Use Recorded or Special delivery whenever possible.

• Request a copy of the deceased’s credit file from credit reference agencies such as Callcredit, Equifax or Experian and check for any entries made after the deceased’s death.

Please note that conditions will apply if you are applying on behalf of a deceased person, for example reports may only be supplied to executors of the estate and/or proof of death may be required. The individual organisations will provide further information.

• If you believe the identity of a deceased person may be used by a fraudster, a CIFAS Protective Registration may be placed by a relative or executor against the deceased person's address. The Service protects the identities of consumers registered with it by flagging to over 250 CIFAS Member companies (virtually the whole financial services industry) that they need to validate the information provided thoroughly, and in some cases request further proof of identification.

To request Protective Registration, telephone 0870 010 2091 or view details on theCIFAS website. There is a small fee of £11.75 including VAT to cover costs. A copy of the death certificate will also be required when the registration is set-up.