A printer desperate for cash to pay for an operation for his sick father is trying to raise funds – by selling his IDENTITY.
Preston Likely, 45, placed a notice in the window of several newsagents near his home in Littlemore, Oxford, looking for someone to ”buy an identity” .
Print worker Mr Likely, a married father-of-one, told yesterday how he came across the idea to raise money for his dad’s hip operation while getting rid of personal data.
He said: ”I have decided to sell my entire identity – my passport number, my credit card number, share dealing numbers, birth certificate – anything with personal information and numbers on.
”I needed to raise money for my dad’s operation and I’ve got mortgage payments and bills coming out – it’s just money I don’t have any more.
”I was cutting up my credit cards in the bin one day and got the idea to do this.”
Although the notices have been taken down by several newsagents, Mr Likely has received offers ranging from £10 to £1,000 – but is not yet tempted to sell.
He said: ”It raises questions about how much a person is worth – I don’t think I’ll sell for anything less than £10,000.
”I might not be the only one selling my identity. People are being backed into a corner in these hard times.”
But Thames Valley Police yesterday warned that the scheme was potentially dangerous and could even lead to a fraud prosecution.
Police spokeswoman Rebecca Webber said: ”Anyone selling their personal documents or identification numbers must be aware that they may be used for fraudulent purposes.
”This could be considered an attempted fraud in that the seller is willing for others to use his name and credit cards for a dishonest purpose whilst pretending to be him, for a fee.”
A Identity and Passport Service spokesman said: ”Any action which could assist fraudulent activity is a serious offence and may lead to prosecution.”