The number of reported cases of identity fraud more than doubled last year to 1,724, according to new home affairs ministry figures.

Nearly 400 cases reported to the ministry’s hotline were based on the misuse of publicly available information such as addresses and phone numbers. In 539 cases, the identity fraud involved passports or ID cards, the figures quoted by news agency ANP show.

The hotline did not say why there has been such a sharp rise in cases but since last May victims have been able to report abuse online and this has boosted its profile, ANP said.

The website reported on the case of one man from Oss whose identity was stolen by a computer repairman in 2012. Since then he has been confronted with dozens of traffic fines and his driving licence has been withdrawn after the conman was caught drink driving.

Despite making over 50 reports, the public prosecution department has yet to take action against the perpetrator, ANP said.