Millions stung by ID fraud amid consumer complacency

Over four million people in the UK have been victims of identity fraud and the number of victims is rising as people continue to be complacent.

Research unveiled to mark National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, which starts today, shows the average cost of these incidents to each victim is £1,190 but some individuals have lost up to £9,000.

It also reveals people are still failing to take simple steps to protect their identities such as shredding their bills or verifying emails or calls from organisations before responding and giving personal details as asked. When online far too many people give out their details such as date of birth and their address on social networking sites.

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Jamey Johnson, head of Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting and advice centre, said: “Stealing an identity is just the beginning for a fraudster.

“With few details, accounts can be taken over, loans can be applied for and purchases can be made, all without the consent or knowledge of the individual, potentially costing the victim substantial sums of money. Last month alone Action Fraud saw over £245,000 worth of loss due to identity theft.”

It is feared that many victims do not report the crime and the figure could actually be far higher.

Statistics from CIFAS, the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, show cases are rising with over 80,000 reported in the UK so far this year.

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Figures revealed by the Yorkshire Post earlier this year showed cases of identity fraud across Yorkshire rose by 13 per cent in the first nine months of 2010.

Simon Ellson, Norton by Symantec’s internet security expert, said its worldwide research shows online credit card fraud is one of the top three cybercrimes and it accounts for 10 per cent of cybercrime in the UK.

For advice visit the campaign’s website www.stop-idfraud.co.uk