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Equifax: ID fraud fear bigger than street crime

16/07/2008

Nearly 20,000 British people have been victims of identity fraud, according to new figures from American Express.

This has led to the fear of identity theft growing bigger than a fear of being a victim of street crime, research from Equifax has suggested.

The online credit information provider said ID fraud is the fastest growing crime this century, so the conclusions of the research, carried out by Apacs, are not surprising.

People worried about being targeted by ID fraudsters and being forced into debt as a result are urged to protect themselves with some simple measures.

Equifax`s research indicated 87 per cent of social networkers publish their full name and 38 per cent their date of birth on their profiles, making information easy to find for fraudsters.

The survey also found 46 per cent store bank details and 16 per cent their Pin on their phones, Blackberrys or computers. This is described as "crazy" by Neil Munroe, ID fraud expert for Equifax.

Consumers are advised to never reveal or write down Pins, be vigilant when banking online and never keep financial information in handbags.

American firm Equifax has provided financial information for over a century.

Bachelors `forced to spend more` 17/11/2008 - People who live by themselves find it more difficult to Bankruptcy `increases by 7%` 17/11/2008 - The number of consumers in England and Wales facing bankruptcy Finances `causing women sleepless nights` 14/11/2008 - Financial concerns, potentially including debt problems, are causing women sleepless Christmas spending slowdown expected 13/11/2008 - Christmas spending is expected to stagnate this year, as consumers