Growing threat of identity theft

Abi Clark, spokesperson for Prudential Home Insurance comments on the growing threat of identity theft: "As one of the UK's fastest growing crimes, identity theft costs the economy an estimated £1.7 billion a year and causes huge inconvenience to many people.

"Identity thieves have numerous opportunities to obtain personal information including security breaches, intercepting mail, mislaid documents and via social networking sites. Personal information can then be used as proof of identity when arranging credit agreements, store cards or even to open a bank account fraudulently.

"Taking sensible precautions such as keeping your personal information secure, using different passwords for accounts and storing sensitive documents out of sight will go some way to preventing ID fraud. However, for extra peace of mind it is advisable to choose an insurance policy which includes identity theft protection and assistance, should the worst happen.

" Prudential ID Theft Assistance comes as standard with Prudential Home Insurance. Any customer concerned about identity theft has automatic access to an Identity Theft Assistance helpline with a dedicated case handler that works with the customer should they become a victim of ID theft.”