EQUIFAX HIGHLIGHTS ID FRAUD RISKS FOR YOUNGER CONSUMERS
Neil Munroe, ID fraud expert available to provide comment for Safer Internet Day 11th February 2014
Equifax, the ID fraud expert, is urging younger consumers and parents to look after their personal information to keep fraudsters at bay. The latest advice comes on the advent of Safer Internet Day on 11th February 2014. The initiative asks people to help create ‘a better internet together’ and focuses advice and support on carers and teachers, as well as children and young people.
“Socialising and shopping online is second nature to most young people and even children, these days, but this familiarity could leave them vulnerable to ID fraud,” warns Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director for Equifax. “Whilst there are many benefits to our digital society, there are also some dangers, which younger consumers may not be aware of. Safer Internet Day is the ideal time to think about these issues and help encourage safer behaviour online.”
Safer Internet Day is coordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre, a partnership of three leading organisations; Childnet International, the South West Grid for Learning and the Internet Watch Foundation. The awareness day offers tips and practical advice to young people, teachers and carers on a range of topics, including cyber bullying, privacy settings on social media and keeping personal information safe online. Equifax also believes that the campaign is a great opportunity to make young people aware of the threat of ID fraud and the steps they can take to help protect themselves from this growing crime.
Neil Munroe continues, “People don’t realise how easy it is for fraudsters to use the personal information available on social networking sites to steal an individual’s identity and open accounts in their name.
“Young people may be targeted by online competitions or deals and discounts, asking for personal information or a mobile number, but this could leave them open to fraudsters. If their email address or mobile number gets into the wrong hands, younger consumers could find themselves targeted by phishing scams designed to trick them out of their information and money. It’s important to understand the value of your private information and take precautions to keep ID fraud at bay by only using trusted sites and thinking twice before handing over any information.”
Neil Munroe is available to provide comment on ID fraud risks and provide advice.
Equifax Top Tips for Using Social Network Sites
- Don’t include information on social networking sites such as your date of birth, pet’s name or your mother’s maiden name that you may use for passwords or PINs
- Use the privacy settings on your profile, to ensure only close friends can view your information
- If you are going on holiday or you will be left in your home alone, don’t announce it online. This could leave you vulnerable to break ins
- Never share with anyone your password or PIN for any accounts.
- Never respond to emails or phone calls where someone is requesting your passwords or PINs
ENDS
Neil Munroe is available to provide expert comment for features for Debt Awareness Week. He can be contacted direct on 07710 844518 or via the Equifax press office: HSL - Clare Watson, Nakhalar Sterling, Ed McCambridge, Cecile Stearn or Wendy Harrison at HSL on 020 8977 9132 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.