Young, single renters biggest target for ID fraudsters

Identity fraudsters across the country are turning their attention from the wealthy to lower income victims living in rented accommodation where their personal details are most vulnerable, according to research from CreditExpert.

According to CreditExpert's analysis, the top three groups most likely to become victims of ID fraud in the UK live in rented houses and flats in and around cities. Of these, the group most at risk are young professionals renting property in London and Glasgow. These groups are more than twice as likely to become victims of identity fraud as the average person, with a risk score of 223, compared to the national average of 100.

With a risk score of 184, the second biggest target group for ID fraudsters are young, single people and home sharers working in service industries and living in flats rented predominantly from the council or housing associations. Graduates renting in good areas while saving for a mortgage deposit are the third most likely group to become victims of ID fraud, while wealthy company directors and business owners at the pinnacle of their success make up the list of the top four groups most likely to become victims of ID fraud.

People who rent or have shared hallways are the easiest targets for mail interception, a key tactic used by fraudsters. Renters are also vulnerable because of their tendency to move more often than home owners and by not redirecting their mail they leave themselves exposed to the threat of previous address fraud.

The UK's identity fraud hotspots

By analysing the types of people that became victims of ID fraud in 2008, CreditExpert has identified the UK's identity fraud hotspots - where the highest proportions of at-risk residents live.

London remains the identity fraud capital of the UK, with residents almost four times as likely to fall victim compared with the average score across the UK. With a risk score of 638, Kensington continues to be the capital's worst identity fraud hotspot, with residents - on average - over six times more likely to fall victim compared with the UK average.

Residents of Victoria (629), Clapham Junction (628) and Hammersmith (625) are also amongst those at highest risk.

Fraud techniques and discovery

Analysis of fraud incidents reported to Experian reveal that present address fraud continues to grow and is now the most commonly perpetrated method, representing 36 per cent of all identity fraud committed. Previous address fraud is the second most common method of identity fraud, accounting for 30 per cent of all cases, while forwarding address fraud is the method used for 29 per cent of identity fraud.

In 2008, almost two thirds (63 per cent) of victims of identity fraud discovered they had become a victim by noticing fraudulent activity on their credit report, while 15 per cent of victims discovered their identity had been compromised after being contacted by a financial services company.

Darryl Bowman, Director of CreditExpert, comments: "Criminals are switching their focus from the wealthy to people whose details they can get hold of more easily. Because of this, each one of us needs to be aware of the dangers of ID fraud and take steps to protect our identity and stop thieves from getting access to our personal information. One thing you can do is regularly check your credit report so you can spot unfamiliar activity, such as a fraudulent loan application in your name."

CreditExpert's top tips for preventing identity fraud:

1. Regularly monitor your credit report

Using an online service such as Experian's CreditExpert allows you to check your report for unauthorised or suspicious activity, such as new accounts in your name that you didn't open or credit searches by companies you haven't dealt with.

2. Watch out for your mail

Fraudsters often obtain documents by stealing or redirecting mail - so keep an eye out for post that you're expecting and report missing items quickly. Look for your credit card bills arriving when you expect them to: if your account has been taken over then the bill will probably stop coming as the fraudster will have changed your address on the account.

3. Destroy documents showing your personal details before throwing them away

Be careful about discarding anything with your name, address or other details on it. The documents can be used to open accounts in your name. Use a shredder to destroy bank statements, utility bills, application forms, chequebook stubs and card receipts.

4. Keep your information up to date

Make sure your bank and organisations such as your mobile phone provider are informed of any changes of address. This prevents any document that includes your vital details falling in to the wrong hands. When anyone fraudulently applies for an account under your name and previous address, this will be automatically flagged if that organisation is using electronic authentication. You should also register to vote at your new address as soon as possible.

5. Forward your mail if you move house

If you move home, have your mail forwarded to your new address for at least six months.

6. Be careful who you give your information to

Fraudsters will try to get you to give them your identity. On the Internet, or in your email look out for phishing attacks where a fraudster will try to get you to disclose your personal details or logon and password information for your online banking. Also, beware of phone calls, purporting to come from your bank or another trusted organisation, asking you for personal or security information.