Press Release

IT'S IN THE POST . BUT WILL THE ID FRAUDSTERS GET IT FIRST?

Equifax identifies the risks of intercepted mail to an individual's identity

London, 19th October 2009 - There's much discussion about the consequences of the potential postal strike - from unpaid bills because cheques are stuck in the post, to undelivered Christmas cards. But leading instant online credit information provider, Equifax, believes the post strike will just serve to highlight how important mail is to an individual's identity.

"Despite the fact that email has become the easy, quick way to communicate, the post system is still believed to be a more secure method for many forms of communication, including banking and credit details", confirmed Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. "Indeed, the numerous stories about phishing and other email scams mean that it is still pretty much taken for granted that sending things through the post is safe and secure and will reach the right person.

"But the fact of the matter is the ID fraudsters have worked out that intercepting someone's post is an easy way to infiltrate someone else's identity for their own gain. Some of these risks might seem a bit obvious - but unfortunately our research suggests that people still don't take all the precautions necessary to protect their identity. So it's worth taking a few moments to think about your mail and whether it's getting to you."

EQUIFAX'S FIVE SIMPLE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR MAIL

Make sure your post can be put through your letterbox properly and there's no risk of it being pulled back through or taken from someone outside your home by an opportunistic fraudster.
Think about the dates when regular statements or bills are due. Failure of these to arrive could be a sign that your post has been intercepted. If letters you're expecting don't turn up, contact the sender to find out why. And if the post strike goes ahead make sure you check with your key bank and credit card providers to confirm how they will deliver your statements, etc.
When you move home, redirect your post for a minimum of six months - and make sure this starts from the day you move out. An unoccupied property is manna to heaven for fraudsters! You can arrange this at any post office or at www.royalmail.co.uk. Remember the new occupant of your previous address isn't obliged to forward your post on.
If you share communal hallways where post is left or a shared property, be very alert to the risks of others looking at or even opening or stealing your post. If you think your post is being stolen, contact Royal Mail immediately.
Shred any post or other paperwork which contains your personal information before you throw it away.

"It is probably also worth getting a copy of your credit report to check if any there is any unauthorised activity as a result of fraudsters", concludes Neil Munroe.

The Equifax Credit Report, with the facility to access credit information for the first 30 days free, is accessible simply by logging onto www.equifax.co.uk. Designed to help individuals understand their credit file and see what lenders see to assess new credit applications, the Equifax Credit Report also includes expert tips and advice to help consumers take the right steps to manage their finances and navigate through life's challenges.

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 weekly alerts on any changes to their credit file. It also includes an online dispute facility to help them correct any errors on their credit file simply and quickly.

ENDS

For interviews with Neil Munroe please contact the Equifax Press Office: Wendy Harrison, Cecile Stearn, Elinor Puzey or Louise Fowler on 020 8977 9132. louise@harrisonsadler.com