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Concerns raised over increase in ID theft in recession

One of the many downsides of the current recession is that some people are being pushed into committing fraud, with ID theft luring people that would have otherwise steered away from crime, it has been stated.

Recent figures from the UK's fraud prevention service CIFAS show that there has been a 40 per cent rise in people being impersonated and a 75 per cent increase in facility takeover - where legitimate accounts are stolen from.

This information is a clear indicator that fraud is on the rise, according to Neil Munroe, the external affairs director at ID theft specialist Equifax.

He went on to urge those tempted of walking this line to "get help from legitimate means rather than turn to crime".

"There are a number of organisations that can help people assess their financial situation and talk to lenders to negotiate reduced payments whilst they get themselves back on track," he said.

Global internet security solutions provider Unisys also recently warned that ID theft could rise as a result of the recession.

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