Identity fraud rising in the UK

A quarter of British adults have had their identity stolen or know someone who has been a victim of identity fraud, a survey by consumer watchdog Which? has revealed.

As part of the survey a Which? researcher conducted an experiment to prove how simple it was to 'steal' another person's identity. The researcher managed to discover a whole range of information about Which? Editor Malcolm Coles with "relative ease" it was reported. The researcher was able to get hold of his birth certificate and discover his mother's maiden name, place of birth, mortgage value, medical data, details of his shopping habits, a plan showing where his flat was located on his street and even how often he visited the gym.

The researcher was only stopped from accessing Mr Coles' credit card account, because he had failed to tell his bank that he had recently moved house.

Mr Coles commented: "I couldn't believe how easy it was for someone else to assume my identity. If this is what an amateur can do, imagine how easy it is for an experienced criminal."

Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK, costing an estimated £1.3 billion a year.

There are many ways in which criminals can access information which can be used to commit identity fraud, ranging from sending virus-infected e-mails, which can access private information stored on computers to simply hunting in rubbish to locate discarded bank and credit card statements and shopping receipts, which people have failed to shred or tear up. This information can then be used to steal money direct from bank accounts, organise loans or commit benefit fraud.

There are a number of simple ways to avoid becoming a victim of identity fraud. These include not using your mother's maiden name or place of birth as a security password – these are too easy for someone else to find out – and never using the same password for more than one account. The Which? survey found that half the people questioned used the same password for all their accounts.

Which? also recommends shredding all post before it is discarded; checking your credit record annually; letting your bank know immediately if you move; and not carrying address details in your wallet.

(KMcA/SP)