The website – www.preventidfraud.org.uk – provides essential advice on issues like IT security, information destruction and stopping mail from getting into the wrong hands.
“By following these basic guidelines, you will go a long way to ensuring both that you comply with the Data Protection Act and that identity fraudsters cannot access and misappropriate your confidential data,” said Anthony Pearlgood, chairman of the BSIA’s information destruction section.
Lasting consequences
“Identity fraud is an increasingly serious problem for UK businesses, with the crime costing the UK economy GB pound 1.7 billion.
“On top of the financial implications, becoming a victim of identity fraud can bring further problems in terms of damage to your reputation and loss of customer confidence in your business. These issues can have serious and lasting consequences.”
The website, put together by the BSIA, is being endorsed by various members of the Identity Fraud Consumer Awareness Group including: Call Credit, Card Watch, CIFAS, Experian, Project Sterling, Retailers Against Crime, Royal Mail and the Scottish Business Crime Centre.