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LOST LUGGAGE COULD BE FRAUDSTER’S DREAM

Travellers at risk from ID fraud warns Equifax

London 21th August 2007 – Recent reports from the Association of European Airlines (AEA) show a 22% increase in baggage lost across Europe in the first six months of the year. Equifax, the leading online credit information provider, warns holidaymakers not to put any personal information in their suitcase, as lost luggage could be a gold mine of information for fraudsters.

“Many people wouldn’t even think about the number of items in their suitcase that could leave them vulnerable to ID theft,” explains Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director for Equifax. “Increased security checks mean holidaymakers are putting more into the hold and the added pressure seems to be leading to increased levels of lost luggage. Most travellers will be worried about their holiday being ruined by lost luggage, but they could get home to something much worse if they leave the wrong things in their baggage.”

News of the auction of lost luggage could cause concern due to the amount of personal information some people unwittingly pack in their suitcase. Something as innocent as a diary or address book could reveal a mother’s maiden name, which is often used as a security question. With insurance documents and hotel details fraudsters can obtain crucial information pretending to be you. A digital camera would supply fraudsters with an individual’s picture and items like receipts will allow them to answer security questions about recent major purchases.

Munroe concludes, “We would advise travellers to ensure that they carry personal information on to the plane with them, so that they can keep an eye on it. If anyone has lost luggage and think there may have been sensitive information in there, then they should obtain a copy of their credit report. This will allow them to see any unauthorised activity and stop fraudsters in their tracks.”

Top Tips to Avoid Falling Victim

Do not pack the following items in your suitcase:

  • Insurance Documents – Could reveal personal details.
  • Travel Documents/Receipts – Would inform fraudsters of recent purchases, which could help them answer security questions. Receipts could also reveal card numbers.
  • Hotel Details – Fraudsters could call Hotels and pretend to be you or your bank to trick them into revealing more useful information.
  • Address Book – Fraudsters could use your mother’s maiden name to answer security questions.
  • Driving Licence or other forms of ID – Provides valuable personal information such as address and date of birth.
  • Mobile Phones – Surprisingly, many people store PINs and other personal information on their phone.
  • Diary – Holds personal details and could reveal passwords.

If you are worried that someone has had access to your personal details or that you have been a victim of ID Fraud consider taking the following steps:

  • Inform your bank, the police, other creditors/utility providers.
  • Check your bank statements for any unusual transactions.
  • Obtain a copy of your credit file from a Credit Reference Agency (www.equifax.co.uk 0870 010 0583).

 

 

END

Notes to Editors

For further press information please contact: Claire Foster, Kate Clements or Wendy Harrison at HSL on 020 8977 9132 / Fax: 020 8977 5200 or Email claire@harrisonsadler.com

About Equifax

Equifax Inc. is a global leader in information technology that enables and secures global commerce with consumers and businesses. We are one of the largest sources of consumer and commercial data. Utilizing our databases, advanced analytics and proprietary enabling technology, we provide real-time answers for our customers. This innovative ability to transform information into intelligence is valued by customers across a wide range of industries and markets. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Equifax employs approximately 4,600 people in 13 countries throughout North America, Latin America and Europe. Equifax was founded 107 years ago, and today is a member of Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500® Index. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EFX.  .

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