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One in 10 are victims of ID fraud

Richard Evans Crime Reporter|Evening Standard
13 April 2012

One in 10 people have been a victim of identity fraud and another 15 per cent know someone who has had their details stolen by criminals.

ID fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK and costs the country £1.3 billion a year, according to consumer magazine Which?

New technology and the internet have made it easier for thieves. Spam emails often contain viruses that can be used by hackers to access information on home computers.

Another problem is where bank customers receive bogus emails trying to get them to reveal security details.

A small handheld reader can be used to "skim" credit cards in seconds, perhaps when a shopper is buying something. The magnetic strip is read and used to produce a new card.

Detective chief superintendent Ken Farrow, from the City of London fraud squad, said: "You really need to be on your guard at all times."

Which? advises:

  • Never use your mother's maiden name or place of birth as security passwords.
  • Check your credit file annually for suspect applications.
  • Shred or rip up post before throwing it in the bin.
  • Never use the same password on more than one account.
  • Never carry details of your address along with bank cards.

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