Leading office accessories business Fellowes recently commissioned independent research into identity fraud and how aware the family unit are when it comes to the risks posed by this particular crime. The conclusion was that we are much more likely to protect ourselves and our partners when it comes to ID fraud than we are to protect our parents, grandparents and children.
The research revealed that 68% of adults take active steps to protect their spouse or partner from ID fraud, but nearly two thirds would not do the same for their parents – and only 25% would do so for their grandparents. Furthermore, less than half of respondents (49%) took steps to protect their children.
Clearly then more could be done to ensure that all members of a household are protected when it comes to identity fraud, both online and offline. Measures that can be taken include:
- Installing online security software to help protect against viruses, hacking and phishing threats
- Password protecting mobile devices such as phones and tablets
- Shredding sensitive documents
Also highlighted was the need to consider family members who may have moved out of the family home but still be using the address for correspondence, e.g. young adults who have gone to University or siblings that used to share a property together.
This research formed part of an annual awareness campaign called ‘Don’t Let It Be You’, helping to raise awareness of identity fraud and the impact it can have. A number of public and private sector organisations have come together to help highlight this problem and the steps people can take to prevent it – these include Fellowes, Cifas, Equifax, Symantec Norton, Get Safe Online and Action Fraud.
So what steps do you currently take to protect your information and identity? And should you be doing anything more for yourself or other family members?
For more information visit Fellowes press page
And for lots of useful fraud protection advice for consumers and business – plus some facts on the extent of UK fraud visit: www.stop-idfraud.co.uk
