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Operators have been warned to ensure they keep their documentation up to date and can account for all their work after a Flint-based operator contacted CM to say it is the victim of identity theft. Puritan Stone runs seven trucks in the North Wales region, but has been receiving calls and letters from companies in Italy, Poland, Bulgaria and Greece asking about loads it is supposed to have delivered.

Bailiffs seeking payment of VAT for transactions on the Continent have also visited Puritan's  office in Flint and the company has received a summons to appear in court in Greece in relation to a driver's unpaid wages of €6,000 (£4,450). Owner John Hebson says he believes the identity theft came about as a result of the sale of a Volvo six-wheeler lift-up-axle tipper last February. Company secretary Sheila Kenworthy says Puritan has contacted the British Consulate in each country concerned but has struggled to get to the bottom of the issue because of the language barrier. "We've been faxing these companies saying it is not us," she adds. Kenworthy has also spoken to the local police but they are unable to help because everything has taken place abroad.

"We are now going to have to go to a solicitor, but we are worried that this is going to be the end of the company because we can't afford all this." Sally Thornley, head of compliance information services at the Freight Transport Association, says there is not much advice  available about company identity theft, especially cross-border. She says Puritan should get as much information as possible from the bailiff and if possible the customers involved.

"I would also advise contacting HMRC in the UK because it may be able to offer advice, as should the DfT's international division. "But in terms of dealing with these people it may be wise to go to the IRU [International Road Transport Union] which will be able to help with international solicitors." To ensure they do not fall foul of the same issue, Thornley says operators should keep paperwork up to date so they can prove where all their trucks and drivers are at any one time and ensure all transactions and essential company information is secure.

The Home Office could not give any specific advice but suggests looking at its identity theft website.