Press Release

IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE!

Equifax warns consumers to take care of personal documents as news breaks of HBOS boss hit by ID fraud scam

www.equifax.co.uk

London, 1st September 2008 - As news breaks of HBOS Chief Executive, Andy Hornby, being hit by ID fraud, leading ID fraud expert, Equifax is urging consumers to take care of personal documents - even old bank and credit card statements. "The reports suggest that Mr Hornby's identity was stolen using old bank statements", explained Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax.

"I have huge sympathy for Mr Hornby. Even the most vigilant can become victims to this invidious crime as fraudsters now use an abundance of ways to steal information. And it's wrong to assume that fraudsters are always complete strangers."

A survey by Equifax revealed that 1 in 4 victims knew the fraudster. Even social networking sites offer a wealth of information that a fraudster can use, as also revealed in an Equifax survey last year. 87% of respondents have their full name and 38% their date of birth on their online profile, which is a gift for fraudsters.

Munroe concludes, "It's terrifying how little information fraudsters need to be able to open accounts in an individual's name, rack up huge debts and leave the victim, at best to spend hundreds of hours sorting out the problem and at worst, picking up the bill. Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to trick individuals out of their information and it's up to consumers to make sure it's as difficult for them as possible."

EQUIFAX TIPS TO PROTECT AGAINST ID FRAUD

Apply for a copy of your credit file to look out for any unauthorised activity
Shred statements bills and direct mail which contains personal information
Redirect mail if you move
Keep your PIN secure
Always check bank statements and credit card statements carefully against receipts
Be careful of what you carry around in your handbag or wallet. Credit Card receipts, payslips, driving licence, bank statement, utility bill.these all reveal a lot of information about you and a combination of these can be a fraudsters dream
When using online banking, ensure people can't view your details and log out of the site, rather than just closing the window
No matter how much you trust your friends, work colleagues, do not give out your PIN number under any circumstances
Do not use the same PIN number for all of your cards and never write your PIN number down
If you are disposing of an old computer, make sure you destroy information on the hard drive
Make sure you have the latest virus protection that ideally updates hourly and you have a Firewall

EQUIFAX TIPS FOR SAFE ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING

Don't include common verification such as your date of birth or your mothers maiden name
Set up privacy on your profile so only close friends can view your information
If you are going on holiday or you will be left in your home alone, don't put it on your site. This could leave you vulnerable to break ins
Potential partners and employers are often searching names on these sites. Don't put anything on your site which could ruin your chances of a new job or boyfriend/girlfriend
Be wary of anyone you meet online. The photo may be deceptive and they may have different intentions

To find out more about Equifax Identity Watch Lite visit www.equifax.co.uk.

For further press information please contact: Elinor Puzey, Louise Fowler or Cecile Stearn at HSL on 020 8977 9132 / Fax: 020 8977 5200 or Email: louise@harrisonsadler.com