Number of identity fraud victims soars

Direct Line, one of the UK's leading home insurers, is adding Identity Fraud Assistance to its home insurance policy, at no extra charge to policy holders. The service will be available to all new and existing customers who purchase a Direct Line combined buildings and contents insurance policy.

Identity fraud is Britain’s fastest growing crime and currently costs the UK economy £1.7 billion a year. Figures show that 136,966 incidents were reported in the period of January to September 2007, almost 10% up on the same period in 2006. In some cases of identity fraud, without expert help and advice, it may take the victim as long as 400 hours and cost up to £8000 before things are put right.

Direct Line Home customers who have taken out a policy since 7th January will now have access to the free Identity Fraud Assistance helpline. Customers who find themselves a victim of identity fraud will be referred to the Victim of Fraud Team and assigned a personal case handler. Their case handler will then work with them and assist them with the necessary steps to help them resolve their case.

Andrew Lowe, Head of Home Insurance for Direct Line, commented, “Identity fraud is a serious threat with the number of reported victims having increased significantly over the past eight years. Victims of identity fraud could encounter debt collectors, court actions and difficulties getting a mortgage, credit card or bank account if their credit report is not corrected. We are giving our customers peace of mind by putting a support service in place to help them deal with this growing threat. Being the victim of a crime can be distressing enough without the added worry of not knowing how to resolve the problem.”

Direct Line is working with Experian to provide customers with a solution to identity fraud. The customer is given access to their credit report online if they have a specific issue or feel they are a victim of fraud so they can spot any fraudulent activity. Following that, the Victim of Fraud team will investigate these activities and the customer's credit report will be rectified. In all instances Experian’s Credit Expert offers 30 days free membership so customers can gain free access to their credit report.

Lowe continued, “Whilst all of our customers who are victims of identity fraud will benefit from the support team to get them back on track, prevention is always the best policy. We would strongly advise our customers to take reasonable precautions to protect their identity.”

Direct Line’s Top Tips

Keep important documents in a safe place
Safeguard PIN and password details
Shred old bank statements and any other material with personal information
Be wary of ‘phishing’ emails and phone calls. Don’t disclose personal details over the internet or phone
When moving house, subscribe to a redirection service and inform your bank of your new address immediately

For more information, log on to directline.com.