Press Release

HMRC FILE ERROR LEAVES SOME FAMILIES WORRIED ABOUT ID FRAUD

But Equifax highlights that it's easy to keep an eye on personal data

London, 8th February 2010 - It has been reported that the names, addresses and National Insurance numbers of 2,200 child benefit claimants have been sent to the wrong people by HMRC. And whilst the number is small, it will still cause concern for claimants because HMRC can't confirm which individuals have been affected.

ID Fraud expert, Equifax, is warning families to stay calm and take some simple steps to increase the security of their personal data.

"This error does mean that, for a small number of families there might be a heightened risk of ID Fraud" said Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. "But there is no evidence yet that the information has fallen into the wrong hands and there are some really easy steps that families can take to keep an eye on their personal data in the next few months."

Equifax is advising those potentially affected to get a copy of their Credit Report. This will show them, straight away, if there have been any unauthorised credit agreements taken out in their name.

The Equifax Credit Report is available by simply logging onto www.equifax.co.uk and offers individuals access to their credit information for the first 30 days free, enabling them to see what lenders see to assess new credit applications. The Equifax Credit Report also provides weekly alerts of significant changes to any accounts, allowing individuals to spot signs of fraud.

If the customer does not cancel before the end of the 30 Day Free Trial, the service will continue at £6.99 per month, giving them unlimited online access to their credit information and expert advice on managing their finances.

"Any families that fit the profile of those affected by the HMRC error* could sign up to the Equifax Credit Report service now - without any cost to them in the first month. And if an opportunistic fraudster does get hold of their information and use it for fraudulent gain, they will be quickly alerted" confirmed Neil Munroe.

*HMRC has reported that it has sent the names, addresses and National Insurance Numbers of 2,200 claimants to the wrong people. This involves child benefit letters to families whose children are 16, asking for confirmation that the child is still studying. Child Benefit numbers and the teenagers' names and birthdays may also be included in the letters.

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Neil Munroe is available for interviews on this issue. He has a wealth of knowledge in the ID fraud arena and can provide expert commentary and advice on the subject. As past Chair of the Identity Fraud Consumer Awareness Group, an industry wide non-competitive group focused on increasing public understanding of ID fraud and theft, he can provide comment on the issues and risks as well as giving advice on how to avoid falling victim and what to do if you do fall victim. He has appeared on a number of high profile broadcast media.

To arrange interviews with Neil Munroe please contact: Cecile Stearn, Margot Tomkinson, Jenny Staniforth or Wendy Harrison at HSL on 020 8977 9132 / Fax: 020 8977 5200 or Email: cecile@harrisonsadler.com