ID fraud warning for those who rent

Posted: 09 Nov 2009 09:22:07 GMT

Consumers who pay rent for property are the most at-risk group in the UK when it comes to identity fraud, new research shows.

According to CreditExpert, the ID fraud protection service from Experian, young single people who reside in rented accommodation and earn a reasonable wage tend to be targeted more often than other groups.

Renters in London and Glasgow appear to be most in danger of having the identities stolen.

Darryl Bowman, director of CreditExpert, warned people to take precautions to protect their identities.

One way those in rented property can be more careful is ensuring they inform all relevant parties when they move house or flat, so that post can be redirected to their new residence and not left for people to intercept.

"Criminals are switching their focus from the wealthy to people whose details they can get hold of more easily," Mr Bowman explained.

Meanwhile, recent industry reports suggest that landlords are receiving a higher average rent now than they were at the start of the year.


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