Is your mobile phone like a ‘genie’s lamp’ for ID fraudsters?
Equifax highlights the importance of staying vigilant on ID Fraud Day
In recognition of ID Fraud Day on 20th May 2014
which is part of National Scams Awareness Month - ID fraud expert, Equifax, is providing useful tips for consumers to help them protect themselves against identity theft. With CIFAS, the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, recently* revealing that over 60% of frauds recorded on their database in 2013 were the result of the abuse of identity details, Andrew Webb, head of Equifax Personal Solutions believes consumers need to be more aware of the risks. In particular he is urging the smartphone generation to think carefully about the personal information they keep on their devices.
“Mobiles, smartphones and tablet devices have become the equivalent of our diary, address book and general aide memoire”, said Andrew Webb. “And whilst that’s good news for staying organised it does also mean that if a mobile device is stolen, a lot of valuable information could immediately fall into the hands of fraudsters who, without too much effort, can steal personal or business identities.
“Smart fraudsters can quickly go through a phone list to spot numbers that clearly aren’t telephone numbers – such as PINs and payment card numbers. They can also look at a diary to get clues about names used for passwords and might even be able to identify which bank or credit cards a victim uses by the apps stored on a smartphone, which could then help them find other clues to account numbers and PINs. It can almost be like a ‘genie’s lamp’ with a wealth of treasures there for the taking.
“It’s also a concern that many people still don’t realise how easy it is for fraudsters to use the personal information available on social networking sites to steal their identity and open accounts in their name.
“It’s important to understand the value of your private information and take precautions to keep ID fraud at bay because fraudsters can need as little as three pieces of personal data to begin fraudulent activity.”
Equifax also urges consumers to regularly monitor their credit report for any changes to accounts or new accounts they didn’t authorise, and to help protect their personal information online with Equifax WebDetect. The 24/7 ID monitoring service helps enable consumers to keep one step ahead of fraudsters by alerting them to potential unauthorised trading of their personal information. WebDetect is free for customers purchasing a subscription to their Equifax Credit Report or Credit Score.
The Equifax Credit Report is accessible for 30 days free simply by logging onto www.equifax.co.uk/Products/credit/credit-score.html. If customers do not cancel before the end of the 30 Day Free Trial, the service will continue at £14.95 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.
EQUIFAX TIPS TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST ID FRAUD
- Do not respond to emails and phone calls asking for your bank, credit card or other personal details such as PINs or passwords. Genuine companies will never ask you to provide your bank or credit card details via email or confirm your password or PIN.
- Make sure you have the latest virus protection that ideally updates hourly and provides your computer with a ‘Firewall’
- Make sure you log out of all online banking, social networking sites and online shopping accounts rather than just closing the window, especially when you are using a public computer
- Never store PINS or passwords on mobiles, tablets or smartphones
- Make sure any mobile, smartphones or tablets are password protected
- Regularly check credit card and bank statements for unauthorised transactions
- Regularly check your credit file for any unauthorised applications for credit or new credit accounts
ENDS
*CIFAS Fraudscape Report, published March 2014
For further press information, please contact: Clare Watson, Cecile Stearn, Parm Heer or Wendy Harrison at HSL on 020 8977 9132 / Fax: 020 8977 5200 or email: equifaxbtocteam@harrisonsadler.com
About Equifax
Equifax is a global leader in consumer, commercial and workforce information solutions, providing businesses of all sizes and consumers with information they can trust. We organize and assimilate data on more than 500 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide, and use advanced analytics and proprietary technology to create and deliver customized insights that enrich both the performance of businesses and the lives of consumers.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Equifax operates or has investments in 18 countries and is a member of Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500® Index. Its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. For more information, please visit www.equifax.com.