The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a critical alert to every UK citizen holding a National Insurance number, urging immediate action to safeguard personal information from a rising wave of identity theft.
The Scale of the Threat
Criminals are relentlessly developing new methods to harvest personal data, leading to a staggering 118,000 documented cases of identity theft in the UK during just the first six months of 2025. Once fraudsters successfully assume someone's identity, they can exploit it to secure fraudulent loans or submit false insurance claims, leaving the victim to deal with the devastating financial and legal consequences.
The Three CV Details to Remove Immediately
In response to this growing crisis, the DWP has pinpointed three specific pieces of information that should never appear on a CV. While a CV requires some personal details, these are a goldmine for scammers. A DWP spokesperson stated on X: "Fraudsters look for personal details to steal your identity. Do not share your full address, date of birth or National Insurance number on your CV."
This warning highlights a common employment scam where criminals pose as fake employers on online job sites. They contact individuals who have posted their CVs, pretending to offer a role. The scam often involves requesting fees for a supposed 'employment process' or directing the victim to a fake agency to make a payment, with all funds going directly into the criminal's pocket.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
To keep fraudsters at bay, follow these essential security practices:
- Never share personal or financial information with unverified contacts.
- Keep bank details in a secure place and avoid carrying them unnecessarily.
- Remember that legitimate retailers will never ask for your PIN, CVC number, or online banking passwords.
- Regularly review bank statements and immediately report any unfamiliar transactions.
- Do not respond to suspicious emails or texts, and never click on links from unverified sources.
By remaining vigilant and modifying your CV as advised, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these sophisticated identity theft schemes.
