Increasing fear of identity theft rife amongst Brits

At a time when up to 3,000 blank passports and visas have been stolen from a van in Manchester worth around £2.5 million recent research from American Express Insurance Services reveals that identity theft is now the nation's top security fear.

This is further highlighted by concerns raised over the Government's DNA database as the American Express Insurance research reveals that more than four in ten (43%) named identity theft as their top security fear, overtaking street crime (41%) and fears of being mugged or attacked (32%).

Older Brits (45 + years) feel the most exposed; almost half (47%) of them are worried about the effects of having their identity stolen compared to 35 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds.

In light of these findings American Express Insurance Services has launched a comprehensive Identity Defence insurance product to better protect it's customers from identity fraud.

Chris Rolland, Head of American Express Insurance Services commented: "In recent months ID theft has become a far bigger issue and Brits are increasingly feeling more vulnerable to its effects.

"As fast-paced working life leads more people to rely on technology in the way they manage their lives, so the safety landscape is changing, leaving more Britons exposed to ID theft.

As a service-driven insurer that builds products for busy lives, we offer a comprehensive Identity Defence package for our customers. This is an essential service from American Express Insurance Services, intended to combat one of the UK's fastest growing crimes."

For more information, visit americanexpress.co.uk