Press Release

TAXPAYERS TARGETED BY FRAUDSTERS

Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, available for comment

www.equifax.co.uk

London, 8th January 2009 - HM Revenue & Customs today announced that in the run up to the 31st January Self Assessment tax deadline, taxpayers are being targeted by fraudsters. Scammers are telling recipients that they are due a tax refund and are requesting bank or credit card details.

ID fraud expert Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director of Equifax explains "It's very rare that any organisation would ask its customers to confirm personal details such as bank and credit card details via email or telephone. Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated in how they operate and consumers need to be aware of these types of phishing scams and the risk to their identity. Make sure you know who you are speaking to and if in doubt, check. As the HMRC advises, they only ever contact customers who are due a refund in writing by post."

Neil Munroe has extensive experience and expertise on the subject of identity fraud. He can provide soundbites on the size of the problem, ways in which ID theft and fraud can take place including the latest trends and give advice on ways consumers can protect themselves from becoming a victim. He also has considerable experience of press, television and radio interviews with appearances on Moneybox, Working Lunch, The Money Programme, BBC Breakfast, Sky and a large number of regional radio stations.

EQUIFAX TIPS TO PROTECT AGAINST ID FRAUD

Be wary when asked to give out your personal details online, if you doubt the request is genuine, contact the company directly
Make sure you have the latest virus protection that ideally updates hourly and you have a Firewall
Keep your PIN secure and do not use the same PIN for all of your cards and accounts and never write down your PIN
Don't include common verification such as your date of birth or your mother's maiden name
When using online banking, ensure people can't view your details and log out of the site, rather than just closing the window
If you are disposing of an old computer, make sure you destroy information on the hard drive
Always check bank statements and credit card statements carefully against receipts
Apply for a copy of your credit file to look out for any unauthorised activity

Neil Munroe can be contacted direct on 07710 844518.

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: louise@harrisonsadler.com