Press Release

2008 ELECTORAL ROLL DATA ADDED TO EQUIFAX DATABASE

New Electoral Roll data already available to lenders for credit and identity checks

London - 2nd January 2009 - Leading credit and business information specialist, Equifax, completed the uploading of the 2008 electoral roll data from all the UK's local councils on 1st January 2009, making the powerful identity verification information available to lenders immediately. The data has already been incorporated into Equifax's consumer credit database accessed by a wide variety of lenders and businesses extending credit to consumers, as well as organisations that need to be able to verify the identity of customers, including for online transactions and anti-money laundering checks.

The overall size of the Electoral Roll has increased by just under 1% from 2007 to 2008 which Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, believes is a positive sign. "It is encouraging to see that UK adults recognise the importance of being on the electoral register in order to exercise their democratic rights. But we believe consumers also recognise the significance of the electoral roll for providing vital identity verification in order to be able to conduct much of day to day life - from accessing credit to making online purchases."

However, the Equifax analysis of the new Electoral Roll shows an increase in the proportion of adults choosing to opt out of the Edited Electoral Roll, which is available to commercial organisations for purposes other than credit checking. Year on year, this has increased by 4.3%, going from 38.9% in 2007 to 43.2% in 2008. As economic conditions take a downturn, Equifax is warning that consumers who have chosen to opt out of the Edited Electoral Roll may find it more difficult to conduct some activities.

"In any economic downturn, businesses pay closer attention to the risk of fraud and the Edited Electoral Roll will play a crucial part in helping organisations that transact with consumers ensure they are not at risk from fraudsters" confirmed Neil Munroe. "For example, the Edited Electoral Roll is used by many online businesses to verify customers' identities before despatching goods. It is also used for anti-money laundering checks which are a key part of financial regulation. As they are not extending credit they cannot access the full electoral roll - but if a customer has opted out it may not be possible to verify their identity instantly.

"We fully respect consumers' rights to opt out but just want to ensure they are clear of the impact this might have on their ability to buy goods and services in the future. Many consumers believe that by opting out of the Edited Electoral Roll they are reducing their chances of receiving unwanted mail. But, in fact, the best way to achieve this is by registering with the Mailing Preference Service."

ENDS

For further press information please contact: Wendy Harrison, Jenny Staniforth, Cecile Stearn or Margot Tomkinson at HSL on 020 8977 9132 / Fax: 020 8977 5200 or Email: wendy@harrisonsadler.com