Identity theft is rife in Manchester with the city making it onto the list of the UK’s top 10 identity fraud hotspots.
The city was deemed sixth-worst city for identity fraud following comprehensive analysis of fraudulent applications for credit and Experian’s Mosaic geo-demographic profiling.
Just last year, Experian’s Victims of Fraud team investigated 661 fraud cases in the area.
According to experts, many people can go months without knowing that their details have been taken.
People are being urged to take notice of key signs that could mean they have become victims of identity theft.
Experian Director Peter Turner said: “All it will take is five minutes to follow up on anything that raises your suspicion.
“It takes an average of 246 days to discover identity theft. That’s a very long time for a fraudster to have your details without you knowing.”
Signs such as unusual mobile phone charges and unexpected deliveries through the letterbox may mean someone has had their details stolen.
People should also be on the lookout for deliveries of items they weren’t expecting and contact from debt collection companies.
In 2013 more than 132,000 cases of identity-related fraud were recorded in the UK – approximately 350 people every day – but steps can be taken to prevent details falling into the wrong hands.
According to Mr Turner: “Using strong, unique passwords for each website you use and notifying service providers of your new address when you move home can all help.”
Image courtesy of EP Technology via Flickr with thanks.
