Press Release

WHICH? SURVEY ON ID FRAUD

Identity fraud expert available for comment

London, June 25th 2009 - Which? has released a new survey* on ID fraud which reveals that:

1 in 4 people in Britain has been a victim of ID fraud
1 in 5 victims never get fully reimbursed for their losses

Whilst the Which? report underlines the financial turmoil this growing and invidious crime can cause what it doesn't highlight is the short-term damage that can be done to an individual's credit status - even if funds are eventually reimbursed. Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director of leading ID fraud experts, Equifax, can talk about the impact of ID fraud, even if in the long-term an individual's credit card provider or bank resolves the issue.

"I am not at all surprised by these figures from the Which? survey. We have certainly seen an enormous increase in the last year in the number of consumers coming to us for advice and assistance when they believe they have been a victim of ID fraud" confirmed Neil Munroe. "Whilst in many cases we can help the consumer resolve the matter with their financial services provider, the immediate impact is that their credit rating is seriously dented. And that means that if they need a new line of credit, a mortgage or remortgage in the short-term, they could face some difficulties, perhaps with complete refusal from some lenders or not getting the best rate available.

"There are a wide range of solutions now available to help consumers protect themselves from Identity fraud, as well as resolve matters if they do become a victim. But the bottom line is that there are some basic common-sense actions that everyone must take to keep the fraudsters at bay. And they don't cost anything!"

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
Use the privacy settings on social networking sites
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

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

*1038 members of the public responded to Which? survey in May

ENDS

For further press information please contact: Margot Tomkinson, Cecile Stearn, Jenny Staniforth or Wendy Harrison at HSL on 020 8977 9132 / Fax: 020 8977 5200 or Email: margot@harrisonsadler.com