John Leech, Liberal Democrat MP for Manchester Withington, has urged local constituents not to hand their identity over on a plate to fraudsters.
The calls come as John Leech MP signed a Parliamentary Early Day Motion in support of National Identity Fraud Prevention week, being held from 16th to 22nd October 2006.
The week aims to raise awareness of the dangers of identity fraud and inform the public and businesses on the steps they could and should be taking to protect themselves from identity fraud.
This awareness drive has been put in place by an expert group of public and private sector partners, including the Metropolitan Police (and other regional police forces), Crimestoppers, The Information and Passport Service, CIFAS ,The UK's Fraud Prevention Service, Fellowes, the Federation of Small Businesses, Callcredit, Equifax and Experian.
According to "Which?" magazine, 1 in 4 people has been affected by identity fraud, and at the beginning of the year the Home Office estimated the cost of identity fraud to the economy at £1.7 billion.
New research commissioned for the week has revealed that nearly every household surveyed in a controlled bin raiding exercise had thrown out sensitive materials with their household rubbish and 48% had thrown away everything a fraudster needs to steal a person's identity.
Commenting on the week John Leech MP said:
"I urge everybody in to get identity fraud wise before it is too late."
"Too many people are still putting themselves at risk from this growing problem."
"Victims of identity fraud face a miserable time getting their identity back, with many hours spent dealing with the consequences."
"My advice is simple, take note of the police advice and ensure that you don't hand your identity on a plate to fraudsters."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Steps the public can take to protect themselves include:
· Keep your personal and confidential documents secure
· Regularly check your bank and credit card accounts for unusual transactions
· Regularly obtain a copy of your credit report from credit reference agencies Callcredit, Equifax, Experian
· When you move home redirect your mail to your new address by contacting Royal Mail Redirection Service on 0845 7740 740, visiting your local post office or www.royalmail.com
· Never give out any personal information to unidentified individuals or organisations who contact you by phone, email or face-to-face
· If you have been a victim of identity fraud contact your nearest Police station or visit www.met.police.uk/fraudalert/
· Always shred, using a confetti cut shredder, before disposing of documentation; bank and credit card statements, utility bills, receipts, direct mail containing any personal information, mortgage applications etc
· If you think you have been a victim of Identity Fraud you should consider subscribing to the CIFAS Protective Registration service. A notice will be placed on your credit file indicating that documents have been stolen and that you may therefore be at risk of identity fraud. To register by telephone call 0870 010 2091.
· If you have information about identity fraud contact the police, or call Crimestoppers to give information anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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