Press Release

TELEPHONE SCAM TARGETS THOSE ALREADY IN DEBT

Never give out personal details over the phone warns Equifax

London, 20th November 2009 - The latest swathe of telephone scams are targeting people in debt. Leading ID fraud expert, Equifax, is therefore urging consumers to keep their personal details safe from crank callers. This comes as the Ministry of Justice reveals a scam where consumers are telephoned by fraudsters claiming to be from the government, Office of Fair Trading, a high street bank or legitimate claims management company. Consumers are tricked into handing over personal details and money with the promise of repayment of debts.

Fraudsters posing as staff from legitimate organisations call consumers asking for their personal information such as bank account details. The victim is then asked to make an upfront payment, usually by money transfer, after being told they are entitled to a repayment of bank charges or other debts.

"Criminals are targeting those already in debt and promising them lump sum payments as a way of tricking them out of valuable account details and upfront payments," explains Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director of Equifax. "These fraudsters are very convincing and persuasive, calling victims repeatedly to try to get them to pay the fees needed to release the phantom funds.

"Anyone who provides their details over the phone risks their accounts being emptied by fraudsters, leaving them in even more debt. The fact is, a legitimate organisation would never ask for personal or secure information over the phone. In addition, notification of any repayments would be done in writing, rather than over the phone or in an email. Fraudulent telephone calls are on the increase, so consumers need to be aware and take the right precautions. Make sure you know who you are talking to - if you are at all unsure about who has called you ask them for their number so you can call them back. And always check with the company yourself before responding to any offers or claims."

EQUIFAX TIPS ON AVOIDING TELEPHONE SCAMS

Never give out personal details over the phone
Always ask for more information
Make sure you know who you are talking to
Phone the company concerned to determine whether the call is genuine
Don't be pressured into handing over information or money if the caller says it's a matter of urgency
Remember a legitimate organisation will never ask you for an upfront fee to release funds
A genuine notification will always be provided in writing - not by phone or email
Always keep your bank account details and passwords safe
If you have been a victim tell the organisation concerned immediately
Sign up for a service like Equifax Credit Watch to alert you of any fraudulent activity

ENDS

*CIFAS 2008 Fraud Trends Report, issued January 2009

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