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ID fraud warning

Your Money
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Your Money
Posted:
Updated:
21/04/2006

Two out of three Britons drastically underestimate the likelihood of becoming a victim of ID thieves, even though the vast majority say they are more aware of ID theft, and the impact it can have on their finances, than they were a year ago.

Research carried out for credit report service MyCallcredit also revealed more than 8 out of 10 Britons say they do take steps to protect themselves from the consequences of ID theft.

But of those who don’t protect themselves half say it’s because they can’t be bothered or they think it won’t happen to them.

MyCallcredit director Alison Nicholson says: “It’s encouraging that people’s awareness of ID theft and how they can protect themselves is growing, but it’s still a big problem to the people it happens to and that’s one in every 1000 of us at the moment.

“And while most people know they won’t be liable for any spending by an ID fraudster, they completely underestimate the impact it will have on their lives while they correct the trail left by the criminals on their credit file.

“Even simple things like being granted a mobile phone contract can be made impossible if a fraudster has had an impact on your credit file. Your life really does get put on hold until the damage has been investigated and put right and that can take many months.”


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