National Identity Fraud Prevention Week

[16th October 2006]

National Identity Fraud Prevention Week (16 - 22 October) gives a stark warning to the British public that they could, and should, be doing more to protect themselves from becoming victims of identity fraud.

The warning comes as new research reveals more people than ever are putting themselves at risk of becoming a victim, despite awareness campaigns warning them of the dangers.

The research found that a staggering 97% of households, representing over 21 million homes in the UK, regularly dispose of materials stating their full name, sex, title, address and postcode.

The campaign seeks to break the complacency found amongst the British public, with information available on what the public can do to fight identity fraud.

This awareness drive has been put in place by an expert group of public and private sector partners, including the Metropolitan Police (and other regional police forces), Crimestoppers, The Identity and Passport Service, CIFAS – The UK's Fraud Prevention Service, Fellowes, the Federation of Small Businesses, Callcredit, Equifax and Experian.

Visit www.stop-idfraud.co.uk