Government must back help centre for victims of ID theft

As the potential scale and impact of the lost database disaster dawns on the nation’s families, the National Consumer Council (NCC) today calls on the government to take full responsibility for its irresponsibility - by backing a one-stop help centre for the victims of ID theft.

NCC chief executive, Ed Mayo, said: ‘This week’s revelations are a sharp reminder that we are all vulnerable to ID theft – no matter how careful we are. And it makes no difference whether it’s a private company or the government that allows our personal data to be put at risk in this way. If your ID is stolen the effect is the same – stressful, disruptive and often frightening. Both public and private sectors need to take responsibility for breaches of personal data.

‘That’s why it’s now paramount that the government lends its support to a one-stop support centre for ID theft victims – something that is close to fruition thanks to an NCC campaign. Government should also heed the calls for more enforcement powers and resources from the data protection watchdog, Richard Thomas.’

NCC points out that in the recent past, banks and retailers that have put their customers’ personal information at risk through lax security procedures have had to pay the price – in fines, apologies, and information and support for worried customers. Government must face up to its responsibilities here too.