Brits 'unaware' of ID theft
- Published: 27/06/2007
Brits are confused and unaware of how to correctly deal with ID theft, a new report states.
A study from Capital One reveals that around 42 million adults in the UK wouldn't be able to find out whether they have been the victim of identity theft - and only one in ten know what to do when they think their ID has been stolen.
Identity theft is on the increase in the UK. Fraudsters, when able to obtain somebody else's personal details, can apply for credit cards, loans and other financial products in that person's names.
Unpaid debts are then lodged with the victim of the fraud - and this can often lead to distressing encounters with debt collectors, insurers and the law.
"It is concerning how many people we asked had no idea how to tell if their ID had been stolen, or what to do about it if they had unfortunately become a victim," Sanjiv Yajnik, principal managing director at Capital One, commented.
"The tell-tale signs of ID theft often include unexplained items appearing on bank and credit card statements, receipt of bills and receipts of goods or services you haven't asked for, being told you are already claiming state benefits you weren't aware of, or being refused a financial service despite having a good credit history."
A study from Capital One reveals that around 42 million adults in the UK wouldn't be able to find out whether they have been the victim of identity theft - and only one in ten know what to do when they think their ID has been stolen.
Identity theft is on the increase in the UK. Fraudsters, when able to obtain somebody else's personal details, can apply for credit cards, loans and other financial products in that person's names.
Unpaid debts are then lodged with the victim of the fraud - and this can often lead to distressing encounters with debt collectors, insurers and the law.
"It is concerning how many people we asked had no idea how to tell if their ID had been stolen, or what to do about it if they had unfortunately become a victim," Sanjiv Yajnik, principal managing director at Capital One, commented.
"The tell-tale signs of ID theft often include unexplained items appearing on bank and credit card statements, receipt of bills and receipts of goods or services you haven't asked for, being told you are already claiming state benefits you weren't aware of, or being refused a financial service despite having a good credit history."