A national Twitter chat for the ‘Not With My Name’ campaign will be held from 5pm today, hosted by @actionfrauduk.

Identity fraud is thought to affect one in four UK adults, with an average of £1,200 lost by victims each time.

In the first quarter of 2015 there was a 27% increase in identity fraud. The average age of victims was 46, with men 1.7 times more likely than women to have their identity stolen according to a 2015 Cifas report.

A national body found total losses to the UK adult population were an estimated £3.3 billion in 2013.

Victims often find that money has been removed from their bank, a fraudulent passport or driving license has been created in their name, or loans, mortgages and mobile phone contracts have been set-up using their identity.

The wider effects for society are also concerning with the proceeds of identity crime often being used to fund further criminal activity.

Detective Superintendent Steve Mattin said: “As more and more people across Norfolk and Suffolk use the internet to carry out personal and business matters, it is vital they take the necessary precautions to keep their personal details safe.

“You wouldn’t leave your house without leaving your home secure and the same principles need to apply online.

“I would urge everyone to treat their personal details as precious and to make small changes online and offline to ensure they don’t get their identity stolen.”

To combat the rising threat of identity fraud, the ‘Not With My Name’ campaign will highlight advice focused on helping people protect their personal information.

This will include pointers on creating safe passwords, protecting internet devices, dealing with unsolicited phone calls and emails and safely storing and disposing of mail.

These messages will be shared across the country, with the campaign being supported by 35 local police forces and organisations that include Get Safe Online, Cifas, FFA UK, Age UK and Experian.

A key part of the campaign will be delivered across police force Facebook and Twitter accounts at Suffolk Policeand Norfolk Police

A national discussion is being held on Twitter from 5pm today on the topic.

Individuals and businesses that have fallen victim to a fraud facilitated by an identity crime should report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk.