Identity theft service launched

Identity fraud victims are set to receive a one-stop service with a new system designed to take the hassle out of resolving a case.

Under the new system, a fraud victim makes one call to one of the three leading credit reference agencies, CallCredit, Equifax and Experian.

The credit reference agency will then inform the other two, and all three will work together to restore the victim’s credit file.

Previously, a case of identity fraud took many phone calls for the victim to sort out – often while being chased by debt recovery firms.

The service was launched after calls from the National Consumer Council (NCC) for better help in cases of identity theft.

“The joined-up approach taken by the three agencies is a welcome step forward and we fully support this initiative. It simplifies the whole process of sorting out the mess left behind by fraudsters and helps victims get their finances back on track,” said Anna Fielder, senior policy advisor for the NCC.

Mark Ward, head of consumer services at Callcredit added: “Becoming a victim of identity theft can be extremely distressing.

“By jointly taking on responsibility for managing the recovery process, the three credit reference agencies are aiming to make getting financially back on track much easier for the individual involved.”

Identity theft is one of the UK’s fastest growing crimes, affecting more than 100,000 people every year. The Home Office estimates identity fraudsters steal £1.7 billion annually.

According to a YouGov poll in November 2007, one million UK employees admitted losing disks, drives or laptop computers containing confidential personal information.