Bruce urges people to stamp out Identity Fraud

5.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 16th Oct 2006

bank and credit card details should be protected

Local MP Malcolm Bruce is urging constituents to get 'identity fraud wise' and not to hand their identity over on a plate to fraudsters.

The calls come as Mr Bruce signed a Parliamentary motion in support of National Identity Fraud week which starts today.

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. CIFAS, the UK's Fraud Prevention Service estimates that 1 in 4 people have 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.

Commenting, the Gordon MP said:

"I urge everybody in Gordon to get identity fraud wise before it's 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 s simple: take note of the police advice and ensure that you don't hand your identity on a plate to fraudsters.

"Simple precautions include, keeping personal and confidential documents secure, regularly checking bank and credit card statements for any unusual transactions and making sure you destroy any personal documentation containing bank or credit card details on items such as utility bills and direct mailings responsibly, preferably by shredding. In addition you should never give out personal information to unidentified individuals or organisations who contact you by phone or email.

"By making the effort to adopt these sensible and simple practices, you can help to avoid being the victim to one of the country's biggest growing crimes."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• National Identity Fraud week runs from 16-22nd October 2006. Further information can be obtained on http://www.stop-idfraud.co.uk/