Since the start of the 21st century the terms identity theft and identity fraud have been used to describe a variety of crimes which appear both new and unique to the 21st century. So much so, that the government is in the process of re-introducing a National Identity Card Scheme to tackle the problem. But are identity theft and identity fraud uniquely 21st century problems, and is a new Identity Card Scheme going to prevent these crimes? The study seeks to examine identity theft and identity fraud and determine what these crimes are, and to distinguish between the two. In order to do this, the study will examine the different definitions used in America, Australia and the U. K. as well as the history of identity related crime. The use of identity theft and identity fraud by organised crime, illegal immigration and terrorism will also be discussed.This examinationo of identity theft and identity fraud includes an explanation of the differences between modem and traditional identity related crimes and the various methods used to gather information on people's identities. The study also looks at ways of researching identity related crime. As part of the research process, simulated identity theft was developed as a research approach. The use of this researchm ethod and the ethical and legal considerationa ssociatedw ith it are discussed at length as is the use of the internet as a source of information. The study concludes with an analysis of the role of the National Identity Card Scheme in preventing identity related crime, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of reintroducing a National Identity Card Scheme.