Press Release

DON'T LET POST-HOLIDAY BLUES GET WORSE

Equifax warns consumers of the threat of fraud abroad and urges thorough check of credit card bills

London, 9th September 2009 - Unfortunately, there's more to the end of the holiday season than just unpacking and looking through the photos. As the credit card statements for late July and August start landing on doormats, leading ID fraud expert, Equifax, is warning that it's vital that they are checked for any signs of fraud. In 2008 card fraud abroad increased by 11% and accounted for losses of £230 million, highlighting the rising threat facing UK travellers*. Equifax is, therefore, offering advice on safeguarding against credit card fraud after this year's foreign trips.

"ID and credit card fraud is a very real threat for consumers, especially when they are abroad in countries that don't use chip and PIN," explains Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director for Equifax. "It's easy to leave bags unattended or allow waiters to take your credit card out of sight. However, these are the moments when opportunists can clone cards and take advantage of holidaymakers.

"Criminals can skim the details on a card and use them over and over again. And, unfortunately, the first the victim knows of the crime is when they get the credit card statement. But we're not sure that everyone checks their credit card statements thoroughly and if they don't, they could end up paying a lot more for their break than planned. "Although it will be after the event, at least if credit card statements are checked thoroughly, consumers may be able to minimise the impact of any fraud on their on-going financial status."

Munroe concludes, "We urge returning holidaymakers to check their credit card statements carefully against receipts and notify their card issuer if they suspect they have been a victim of fraud. Applying for a copy of their credit file also allows individuals to gain an overview of their accounts and move quickly if they see any unauthorised credit activity. By taking the right precautions consumers can remember their holiday for all the right reasons."

The Equifax Credit Report is available by simply logging onto www.equifax.co.uk and offers individuals access to their credit information for the first 30 days free, enabling them to see what lenders see to assess new credit applications. The Equifax Credit Report also provides weekly alerts of significant changes to any accounts, allowing individuals to spot signs of fraud.

If the customer does not cancel before the end of the 30 Day Free Trial, the service will continue at £6.99 per month, giving them unlimited online access to their credit information and expert advice on managing their finances.

ENDS

*Figures APACS 2008 Fraud Figures - http://www.apacs.org.uk/09_03_19.htm

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