Press Release

DON'T LET FRAUDSTERS SPOIL GOOD MEMORIES

Equifax warns bereaved families to be vigilant to protect the identity of their loved ones

Since the details of 'missing canoeist' John Darwin have been revealed, it has been discovered that the identity of a child who was born the same year as him, but died 34 days later, were used to create his new identity. Whilst this case is quite extreme, there are still hundreds of cases of deceased fraud, otherwise known as 'Day of the Jackal' fraud every year. Leading ID fraud expert, Equifax is, therefore, warning families to be extra vigilant when dealing with matters after the death of a loved one.

"Fraudsters look through the obituary pages to identify new names to use for ID fraud", confirmed Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. "They then build up identities by intercepting mail, obtaining copy birth certificates and using personal details on bills and other documents to open new accounts and defraud companies. It is an awful crime which causes more hurt and upset at an already tragic time.

"It is vital that families ensure that all companies including banks, credit card and insurance companies are notified as soon as possible when someone passes away, to enable them to update their files and reduce the opportunities for fraudsters. It is also recommended that families keep all personal details secure and shred personal documents."

Munroe concludes, "In recognition of the growing trend of ID Fraud involving deceased people's details, the government have recently agreed to provide death records to organisations like credit reference agencies on a much more timely basis - in a matter of a week rather than several months. However, even with this initiative in place funeral directors, relatives and executors should still be wary of the threat and look to take extra precautions."

The most effective way of spotting identity fraud is to obtain a copy of the deceased's credit file. An executor can apply for another person's credit file, by contacting Equifax by post or telephone**. They will need to provide evidence of their status as an executor and proof of death. If it's thought that the identity of a deceased person is at risk, a relative or executor can also subscribe to the CIFAS Protective Registration service. Equifax runs this on behalf of CIFAS. A notice will be placed on the deceased's credit file informing lenders that there may be a risk of identity fraud. To register telephone 08700 102 091.

TACKLING 'DAY OF THE JACKAL' FRAUD Equifax Top Tips

When placing death notices, don't include details such as age, date of birth, or address. This information can be used by a fraudster to open a new account, or change the details of an existing one.
Ensure you inform all government departments of the loss and return pension and benefits allowance books, passports and driving licences by recorded delivery. When placing death notices, don't include details such as age, date of birth, or address. This information can be used by a fraudster to open a new account, or change the details of an existing one.
Contact all banks and lenders to inform them of the death and close all accounts. If you decide to take clothing and belongings to a charity shop, ensure there are no documents left in pockets, wallets or bags.
If you decide to take clothing and belongings to a charity shop, ensure there are no documents left in pockets, wallets or bags.
All documents including direct mail, television licence, utility bills and council tax should be shredded before being thrown away. Fraudsters look through rubbish bins to try to obtain these documents.
All documents including direct mail, television licence, utility bills and council tax should be shredded before being thrown away. Fraudsters look through rubbish bins to try to obtain these documents.
Contact the Royal Mail to establish whether there has already been a mail re-direction set up. A fraudster may have done this to intercept mail. Organise for mail to be re-directed to a trusted family member or friend.
Sign up to the Mailing Preference Service on their web site http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/mps_choosetype.html or telephone 020 7291 3310 to stop direct mail, including offers of loans and credit cards being sent to the deceased person. This is a free service. The Direct Marketing Association estimates that 22 million items of direct mail are sent to dead people each year. Identity fraudsters use the details included in direct mail to impersonate the dead.

**Equifax Credit File Advice Centre
P.O. Box 1140
Bradford
BD1 5US
08700 100 583

March 2008

For further press information please contact: Elinor Puzey, Louise Fowler or Cecile Stearn at HSL on 020 8977 9132 / Fax: 020 8977 5200 or Email: louise@harrisonsadler.com