Consumers should beware fraud this Christmas
Published On 13 December 2006
People should be extra careful to protect their identity during the festive season, an identity fraud protection agency has warned.CreditExpert said people let their guard down over Christmas, making them particularly vulnerable to fraudsters.
"During the festive season most of us spend and borrow more than normal so it's especially important to monitor our finances," said Jim Hodgkins, the managing director of CreditExpert.co.uk.
"With just a few personal details, identity fraudsters can steal your identity and wreak havoc on your credit rating, making your merry Christmas more of a nightmare."
The agency recommended people regularly check their credit report, as well as being vigilant when using cash machines and paying by credit card.
Other measures to ensure protection from fraudsters include reporting any thefts immediately, going through bank statements thoroughly, being careful with post, and shredding any sensitive documents and receipts before throwing them away.
The latest figures from the CIFAS, the UK's fraud prevention service, show there has been a 21 per cent rise in cases of identity theft since last year. By the end of 2006, CIFAS predicts the number of victims will reach record levels at over 68,000.
