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Nearly one consumer in 10 believes they have fallen victim to identity fraud,
according to a survey by YouGov.
Those aged under 30 are most prone to falling victim as they are the poorest at
protecting personal details, the survey suggests. Two-thirds of these to giving
a PIN or bank details to friends and family and over a quarter were unaware that
utility bill could be used in ID crime.
The poll was commissioned by energy firm Npower, and revealed widespread
ignorance over how to combat identity fraud.
"August is the most popular time of year for moving property, therefore the risk
of ID theft is increased," said
Npower spokeswoman Zoe Coombs explained: "The under-30s are at higher risk of
becoming victims or of putting others at risk as they are more likely to be
nomadic, living in rented properties, moving out of university halls and so on."
The most recent government estimates put the total cost to the UK of identity
fraud at £1.7 billion a year.
Martin Gill, identity professor of criminology at Leicester University,
commented: "It is relatively easy for a thief to steal someone's identity and
people, particularly the under-30s, aren't as cautious as they should be when it
comes to safeguarding their own personal details and those of others.
"At that age it really isn't seen as important".
Source:
Getting Paid
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