A recent survey suggested that nearly a quarter of UK adults have either had their identities stolen or know someone else who has.

It can happen to anyone – one high profile victim was Ricky Gervais, star of the BBC sitcom "The Office."

The Home Office estimates that more than 100,000 people are affected by identity theft in the UK every year. Not only is it distressing, but it can be a nightmare to sort everything out.

Though it is tricky to protect yourself from identity theft, there are ways in which you can attempt to steer clear of it:

¨ Shred any unwanted documents that contain any personal details. Criminals can get hold of your personal details by going through your rubbish for documents like an old gas bill or credit card statements.

¨ If you share the building you live in with other people, make sure you collect your post regularly. When moving house, ensure you tell any relevant organizations about your new address and use a mail forwarding service for at least 6 months.

¨ Keep a list handy of all the numbers you would need to call if your credit or debit cards were stolen.

¨ Be wary of anyone who contacts you unexpectedly and asks for personal information or account details – even if they claim to be from your bank or the police. Ask them for their name and contact number then check with the organization in question before calling back.

Be wary of the online version of the same crime ("Phishing") where you receive e-mails asking for information.

¨ If you use the internet, make sure you have the latest Microsoft security patches and up-to-date anti-virus software installed. Make sure your passwords are difficult to guess.

Also, when online, make sure the web-site of the site you are visiting is spelt properly as it is possible to be redirected to a similarly named fraudulent copy.

¨ Check your credit rating regularly to ensure nothing has been illegally set up in your name. Reports are inexpensive and can be ordered from:

Experian – 0870 241 6212 (experian.co.uk)

Equifax – 08700 100 583 (equifax.co.uk)

Call Credit – 08700601414 (callcredit.co.uk)