Busiest day for home movers means increased threat of ID fraud

With August bank holiday (August 27th) earmarked as the busiest day for people in the UK to move house, it's also the most important date for home movers to recognise the dangers posed by identity fraud.

Just one piece of junk mail - offering any sort of financial service - either left behind or delivered to your old address in your name after you've moved puts you at risk.

Callcredit, the UK's most innovative credit reference agency, is urging home movers to "take control" with the following tips for avoiding ID fraud - "the three Cs"

• Communicate quickly - make sure you tell your lenders before you move. Don't put it off
• Close accounts you no longer use - unused cards can be just the opportunity an identity thief is looking for
• Check your credit report - this ensures you identify all the accounts that need moving and helps alleviate any doubts of fraudulent activity.

Owen Roberts, ID fraud expert from Callcredit comments

"ID fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes and the government estimates it is costing the UK £1.7bn a year. Fraudsters can use personal details to gain access to bank accounts, run up bills, launder money, create false documents such as passports or birth certificates and carry out benefit fraud. The consequences can be very distressing and a headache for victims to sort out. We urge home movers to take control by following these tips and avoid becoming a victim."

Case study

Chris Prior, from Leeds comments

"When I moved from rented accommodation to my own property in Leeds I unfortunately became the victim of ID fraud. The new tenant at my old flat applied for a credit card in my name, using my old address. A new credit card was then opened with a £15k limit and sent to the fraudster at my old address. It was only thanks to my neighbour picking up the envelope containing the card and sending it on to me that I found out and realised how close I came to someone spending £15k in my name."