Brits at Risk of ID Theft as Laid-back Attitudes Leave us Logged In

(October 03, 2012)

(PRWEB UK) 3 October 2012

UK consumers are the most likely in Europe to become victims of ID fraud* and new research from ID fraud expert Equifax has revealed one of the key ways that Brits are putting themselves at risk. A third of respondents to Equifax research** conducted at the end of September 2012, said that they stay logged in to smartphone apps and almost half fail to clear their browser history (42%). Both activities could make personal information, including bank details, easy to access if these devices are lost or stolen.

As part of National Identity Fraud Prevention month which started on Monday 1st October, Equifax is campaigning to reduce the risk of fraud to consumers, urging a change in attitudes to protect personal information.

Our research shows that people in the UK are making it far too easy for ID fraudsters, with many failing to log out of internet banking and 1 in 5 storing passwords, PINs or bank account or credit card details on their smartphones, says Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director for Equifax and Chair of the Identity Fraud Communications Awareness Group (IFCAG). A third of people we surveyed said they dont log out of social media or internet banking websites on their mobile (32%). With over a quarter of people doing online banking through a mobile device, its shocking to discover that 45% dont password protect their smartphone, leaving all that information available to anyone who can get their hands on it.

Munroe adds, More and more people are using smartphones for all aspects of their life and enjoy the convenience of shopping and banking on the go. But it seems that many users simply dont realise just how much data they are holding and how at risk their identity could be. There seems to be a real culture of it couldnt happen to me. Thats why were keen to support this months Dont let it be you campaign.

A stolen phone can provide all the passwords, email addresses, telephone numbers and personal information criminals need to open new accounts and wrack up huge debts in the victims name. Yet people are failing to clear their browser history and many dont even log out of social network and online banking sites, leaving them wide open to fraudsters.

We are urging consumers to protect their personal information, starting with their smartphone. A passcode on a mobile device is the first line of defence, but 45% of people are currently failing to even do that. Consumers need to think about the value of their personal information. Dont make it easy for fraudsters, log out and take steps to protect themselves.

An added level of protection for consumers is regular monitoring of their credit information particularly as the European research* commissioned by Fellowes highlighted that, on average, it takes 7 months for UK consumers to learn that they have been victims of ID theft.

The Equifax Credit Report is accessible for 30 days free simply by logging onto our website. If customers do not cancel before the end of the 30 Day Free Trial, the service will continue at £8.99 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.

The Equifax app is available free from the Apple iTunes Store on iPhone and iPad and from Google Play for Androids.

DATA ANALYSIS

GENDER FINDINGS

Use the passcode function to access smartphone
Female 52%
Male 57%

Store personal details on smartphone

Bank account, credit card, etc
Female 4%
Male 13%

Passwords/PINs
Female 11.5%
Male 15%

Do Online Banking/Monitoring Credit Card Statements, etc on smartphone on a regular basis
Female 28%
Male 49%

Do NOT regularly clear browser from smartphone
Female 43.5%
Male 41%

Do NOT always log out of social networking or internet banking on smartphone
Female 34%
Male 30%

*The research was commissioned by office specialist Fellowes and carried out by Dynamic Markets , between June August 2012. For this report, qualitative research was carried out among 5,507 adult consumers 18+ across Europe.

** Equifax commissioned a survey of 3,000 UK consumers on their attitudes to ID protection on mobile devices, September 2012

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.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/equifax/idtheft/prweb9973509.htm.

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