21/11/2007

Fraud Alert For 25m As Child Benefit Data Lost

The loss 'in the post' of computer discs with 25m people's personal details on them has led to a major fraud alert across the UK.

The child benefit data on them includes names, ages, bank and address details.

Questions are alreay being asked whether Alistair Darling "is up to the job" of chancellor.

Mr Darling has already said he "deeply regretted" what had happened, but stressed there was no evidence of misuse of the data.

He said banks were monitoring all 7.25 million bank accounts whose details were on the discs, which contained the personal details of all child benefit recipients in the UK.

People are being urged by both the chancellor and banks to keep a close eye on their accounts "for unusual activity".

Mr Darling said that anyone who lost money as a result of any misuse of the data would be covered for losses under the banking code.

(BMcC)

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