Consumers feel more threatened by ID fraud than online or credit card fraud, a study by credit reporting agency Equifax has found.
The results of the survey, released as National Identity Fraud Prevention Month kicks off, show that 36% of consumers believe they are most at risk from identity fraud; 35% worried most about online fraud; while 29% concerned about credit card fraud.
The majority (58%) believe that their risk of fraud has increased over the past 12 months, particularly as fraudsters appear to be getting more sophisticated.
When compared to research carried out by Equifax in 2010, the fear of online fraud such as ‘phishing’ has increased quite significantly. In 2010 just 24% of consumers said this was their biggest concern, compared to 35% in 2013. Concern about credit card fraud has decreased slightly in 2013 to 29% compared to 36% in 2010.
The new Equifax research also highlights greater awareness of the precautions that need to be taken to prevent and spot potential fraud. Nearly all respondents (91%) said they check their bank and credit card statements regularly and 72% shred personal documents. There is also a much greater understanding of the risk of fraud through the use of smartphones and social media now than in 2010. 64% of respondents to this year’s survey said that they have a passcode or password for their smartphone, compared to just 31% in 2010.
Neil Munroe, External Affairs director, Equifax, said: "It is great to see that individuals are taking big steps to protect themselves from identity fraud, with efforts taken over the last few years through campaigns like National Identity Fraud Prevention Month appearing to improve awareness and understanding of this invisible crime."
"But just as respondents to our research suspect, fraudsters have become more sophisticated and that means consumers need to be cleverer about protecting their identity and financial information too.
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"We were particularly surprised to see that nearly a third (31%) of respondents said they post information on their social media sites when they are on holiday. This type of behaviour, particularly common amongst younger people, opens up so many chances for a fraudster.
"Also, when changing their mobile phones, 32% would give the old phone to a friend and 14% would sell it online. Although it may not be their first thought, people need to think about where the data on an old phone goes and how this could get into the hands of fraudsters."
The risks of identity fraud are being highlighted during National Identity Fraud Prevention Month as part an annual awareness campaign called ‘Don’t let it be you,’ which is urging heads of households to be aware of the impact of personal identity fraud on the wider family.
"There is no question that new technology has made so many parts of life easier and more convenient, but with those benefits needs to come more vigilance about what personal information is shared online, with whom, and how" added Munroe. "We advise individuals to keep all their passwords to themselves and not even give them to their partners or other family members. We also recommend that individuals check their credit report on a regular basis to ensure that no unauthorised activity has taken place.
