She soon realised her identity had been stolen and the thief had adopted her account, changed her postal and email addresses and ordered a new top-of-the-range mobile phone.

Companies, which account for 80% or more of revenue from letters at postal firms, have slashed direct-mail advertising budgets and embraced substitution as a way to reduce costs.

Cheques, postal orders and money orders (including International money orders) can be paid direct to your account also.