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ID theft top security concern for Brits

11/07/2008

Brits are more concerned about identity theft than street crime or terrorism, according to a survey from American Express.

In a survey of Britons' top safety concerns, ID theft came top with 43 per cent of the vote, beating yob culture (41 per cent), being mugged or attacked (32 per cent) and burglary, also at 32 per cent.

Chris Rolland, head of American Express insurance services said: "As fast-paced working life drives more people to rely on technology in the way they manage their lives, so the safety landscape is changing and ID theft is becoming a bigger issue year on year."

Small business owners are particularly concerned about the threat of their identity being stolen, with more than half (51 per cent) worried about the effect this could have.

Terrorism was much further down the list, with just 18 per cent of those surveyed saying they were worried.

ID theft is Britain's fastest-growing white-collar crime and costs the country at least £1.3 billion a year, according to the Cabinet Office.

Fraudsters can apply for financial products in another person's name, by using their documents. The victim can consequently end up with a debt they did not incur.

The Home Office suggests people worried about becoming victims of this crime should check their credit file to make sure there are no suspicious entries and take care of important documents.