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09 February 2006
Harry Hill has become the victim of identity theft, the Mirror reports.
Identity fraudsters managed to obtain information on the eclectic comedian, who's real name is Dr Matthew Hall, from Halifax customer adviser Sharmane Dillon.
She had admitted to passing on details, but said that the men had threatened violence against her. Ms Dillon stands accused of plotting fraud at Harrow Crown Court - but had denied the charge.
Using Hall's personal details the criminals established an internet account in his name - transferring £280,000 in funds from the performer's other accounts.
They also altered his address on bank records. Prosecutor Andrew Evans said: "It was changed to somewhere in Woolwich. A code was then issued to that address which enabled fraudulent transaction."
Hall became aware of the crime when he approached a Halifax branch in Battersea to query the money loss. The fraudsters also targeted four other wealthy clients, obtaining £500,000. Neither has been caught by Police, and only £150,000 has been recovered.
The Home Office reported earlier in February that identify theft was costing the British economy £1.7 billion a year.
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