NIM39135 - National Insurance Numbers (NINOs): Format and Security: Why security of the NINO is important
The NINO is not proof of identity and must not be accepted as such. It must not be used by anyone else other than:
The NINO is sometimes mistakenly seen as a means of identity and
entitlement to work. NINOs can be in great demand and can be stolen
and sold on, for example for use by people who may not have
permission to take up legitimate employment, or those people
working and also claiming benefit. Multiple, fraudulent benefit
claims are another use for stolen NINOs.
What can we do about it? See
NIM39140.
