ID FRAUDSTERS DON’T HAVE FEELINGS
www.myequifax.co.uk warns that bereaved relatives are at risk from identity fraud
London 19th April 2005 - It’s now known as ‘Day of the Jackal’ in the credit industry. It’s deceased identity fraud – which is the act of stealing the identity of someone who has passed away, in order to open fraudulent credit accounts. And online credit information expert, MyEquifax, is warning that it is the biggest growth area of identity fraud.
“We are particularly concerned about the impact of deceased identity fraud on bereaved relatives when an individual passes away”, confirmed Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, www.myequifax.co.uk. “There are a number of relatively easy ways that fraudsters can do their research to steal a deceased person’s identity, from checking the death notices in local papers to picking up discarded documents in rubbish. Anyone who has suffered a family bereavement must take care of their loved one’s identity and documentation to ensure that they don’t become a victim twice over.”
Identity fraud is now one of Britain’s fastest growing crimes, with estimates predicting that it is costing the UK economy more than £1.3 billion a year. And incidences of ‘Day of the Jackal’ fraud – deceased identity fraud – are, according to a number of industry sources, increasingly significantly.
CIFAS, The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service estimates that over the last four years there have been nearly 100,000 cases of fraudsters impersonating the deceased. This involves fraudsters using the personal details of the individual to open credit card or bank accounts or apply for financial agreements. The Direct Marketing Association also estimates that 22 million items of direct mail are sent to the deceased each year. Identity fraudsters use the details included in direct mail to impersonate the dead.
The most effective way for an individual to identify if they have been subject to identity fraud is to obtain a copy of their own credit file. Facilities also exist for executors to access their relative’s credit file to ensure their identity hasn’t been stolen. They can contact MyEquifax by post or telephone* and they will need to provide evidence of their status as an executor and the deceased’s death certificate.
In addition, a relative or executor can subscribe to the CIFAS Protective Registration Service** if they think the identity of a deceased person is at risk. MyEquifax runs this on behalf of CIFAS. A notice will be placed on the deceased‘s credit file informing lenders that there may be a risk of identity fraud.
“It is the cost to the individual that concerns us most”, confirmed Neil Munroe. “And we are particularly worried that bereaved relatives could be some of the most vulnerable.”
www.myequifax.co.uk Top Tips to Prevent Fraudulent Use of a
Deceased Relative or Friend’s Identity
- When placing death notices, don’t include details such as age, date of birth, or address. This information can be used by a fraudster to open a new account, or change the details of an existing one.
- Ensure you inform all government departments of the loss and return pension, benefits allowance books etc by recorded delivery.
- Contact all banks and lenders to inform them of the bereavement and close all accounts.
- If you decide to take clothing and belongings to a charity shop, ensure there are no documents or receipts left in pockets, wallets or bags.
- All documents including direct mail, television licence, utility bills and council tax should be shredded before being thrown away. Fraudsters look through rubbish bins to try to obtain these documents.
- Contact the Royal Mail to establish whether there has already been a mail re-direction set up. A fraudster may have done this to intercept mail. Organise for mail to be re-directed to a trusted family member or friend.
- Sign up to the Mailing Preference Service http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/mps_choosetype.html or telephone 020 7291 3310 to stop direct mail, including offers of loans and credit cards being sent to the deceased’s address. This is a free service.
*Equifax Credit File Advice Centre
P.O. Box 1140
Bradford
BD1 5US
08700 100 583
**To register for the CIFAS Protective Registration service telephone 08700 102 091.
For just £8.25 consumers can obtain a copy of their Credit File to identify any fraudulent account activity online at www.myequifax.co.uk
If you are looking for commentary on this subject, Equifax can provide consumer credit information experts who have extensive experience on this issue.
If you would like to arrange an interview please contact Cecile Stearn, Sarah Samee, Claire Foster or Wendy Harrison at HSL on 020 8977 9132 or email cecile@harrisonsadler.com
