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Money Kidnap - Don't be a Victim
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ID Theft – London Tenants at Risk
Writes Dan Drage dan.drage@consumerchoices.co.uk
Research commissioned by credit reference agency Experian has highlighted those most at risk from ID theft.
The most likely victims of ID theft were aged between 26 and 45, earned more than £50,000, rented their home and lived in London.
Staggeringly, according to Experian analysis, it takes an average of 18 months for people to realise they are victims.
London residents are twice as likely to become victims of ID theft than those who live in the rest of the UK, with Kensington, Wimbledon and Docklands highly targeted areas.
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"The most likely victims of ID theft were aged between 26 and 45, earned more than £50,000, rented their home and lived in London"
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Outside London, postcodes in Northampton, Cambridge and Stockton-on-tees also saw of a high volume of ID theft.
Fraud reported to Experian in the second half of 2007 showed the most common type of fraud was forwarding address fraud. Those who rent are more susceptible to this type of fraud simply due to their nomadic lifestyles. Fraudsters have direct access to shared mailboxes and post sent to ex-tenants.
Helen Lord, Director of Fraud and Compliance at Experian, had the following to say:
‘The dramatic increases in identity fraud we have witnessed over the last few years have coincided with the increasing involvement of organised criminals in this space’
She continues:
‘The rate of identity fraud growth is worrying. Although some people are statistically more likely than others to become a victim, we should all be concerned. We are all potential victims.’
Chris Eagle, Commercial Manager at Credit Choices, wants to convey the following message:
‘When you move house, even if it’s only a temporary measure, be sure to inform your bank and the suppliers of any credit cards you might have.’
He continues:
‘Should a statement fall into the wrong hands, there is enough information contained therein for a fraudster to make a good job of stealing your identity, and ultimately your money. Don’t let it happen.’
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