One in five losing documents

A fifth of people have lost documents and cards that could put them at risk of identity fraud, according to new research.

Furthermore over one million people have found a passport or driving licence, research by insurance firm CPP.

A simple date of birth or phone number can be gold dust to a criminal, being used to track to the rest of a victim's personal info. From there, false bank accounts can be set up and debts drawn up.

Mobile phones are also becoming a source of identity fraud, as smart phones hold more and more data, from emails to Facebook log-in details.

A fifth of people admit having lost or having a phone stolen, but they are urged to avoid reporting it stolen.

Primarily reporting a lost phone as stolen is in fact a criminal offence, a fact not known by half of people.

Furthermore, while after losing a phone people might fear an element of finders-keepers means it is lost forever, some 92 per cent of Brits have returned lost items to their owners.

Danny Harrison, Head of Mobile Phone Insurance at CPP says; “People think it is OK to keep a mobile phone if they find one as they assume that people can claim on their insurance. In reality, losing all of the contacts, games and music often has a much bigger impact to some than losing the handset.

"What those who do claim often don’t realise is that it is a criminal offence to report a lost phone as stolen and could result in a police conviction and a criminal record.”