I read, the other day, that the British 'still' throw too much into their dustbins that might be used to steal their identities.
I couldn't fathom out, what sort of 'stuff' that might be, until I went to renew my contract for my mobile phone (and procure a new phone into the bargain).

Salesperson: Do you have an ID with you, as proof of identity?
Me: No, the war ended nearly 60 years ago and where I come from, they haven't been deemed necessary since.
SP: well, do you have a passport with you?
Me: Yes, I have it in the car.
SP: Could you fetch it, I can't extend your contract, without proof of identity?

I fetched my passport, proved that I am who I am and walked off happily with my new phone.

Then it occurred to me, what it might be, the British are dropping into their bins!

I mentioned, that during my holiday in Wales, the magnetic strip on my credit card got zapped!
Suddenly I was unable to withdraw funds from a cash machine.
There was a bill for B&B waiting for me, so I phoned Visa who confirmed that indeed, it was the magnetic strip and no, the card had not been suspended, I would be able to withdraw up to £x,000 at any banks cash-desk but preferably Barclays.

I trotted off to Barclays in Barmouth, where there was a nice lady behind the glass.
NL: "No, Sir I can't give you cash on a credit card, you'll have to use the hole in the wall"
I explained my situation but she informed me, that she was unable to help.
Me: "Well, who can help?"
She didn't really know.
I explained, that I was 800 Miles from home, had a hotel bill for £200 and was in need of petrol, to continue my journey.
NL: "Well how much did you wish to withdraw then?"
Me: "£300 would have me on my way"
NL: Gasp !!! She held on to the counter for support.
NL "I'm sorry sir, there is no way, that I can let you have, gasp, that amount of money. Impossible!"
Me: "Well, how much could you let me have then?"
NL: "£50 utmost"
Me: Well that will get me back to the hotel, at least."
NL: "Do you have any form of identification?"
Me: "Well, yes, I have my British Passport and my International Driving License.
NL: "I'm sorry sir, I'm afraid that won't suffice. Do you have a gas bill or an electricity bill, addressed to your home address?"
Me "Hiccup?" ( I have always been in a habit of carrying wads of old bills around with me)
Me" What on earth for??!!"
NL " As proof of identity."
Me "And how am I going to prove, that I really live there?"

We finally agreed, that she might give me £10 against my valid passport.
I stood and banged my head against the wall, as she dragged my dud magnetic strip through the slit in her keyboard for the tenth time ...

The ten pounds got me to a Nat West in Caernarfon, where the next nice lady asked if I could be so kind and 'just sign on the dotted line', before she handed over £300.

I have no idea what else might suffice as proof of identity in Britain. It might be worth checking a couple of dustbins.

Gone phishing ...