New website to help prevent ID theft from the dead
Howard Lake | 29 November 2006 | News
The UK’s Deceased Preference Service (DPS) has launched a website to highlight the problem of deceased identity fraud and to offer advice on how to prevent it.
Identities being stolen from the dead is now a very real risk, according to the DPS, who say that “up to one in seven of all people who die could fall victim to this crime and have their identities used for fraudulent activity.”
Evelyn Hamilton, Liaison Manager for the DPS, said: “Finding out that a partner or relative has had their identity stolen can be deeply upsetting. The loss of a loved one is a very traumatic time but it is vital that next of kin take steps to ensure they minimise the risk of deceased ID fraud.
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“The new website has been created to provide consumers with a source of information and advice on how to protect the identity of deceased friends and family. Simple tips such as shredding all personal documents and mail, notifying banks and building societies and registering details with the Deceased Preference Service can all help.”
Thieves use a variety of tactics to source the personal information needed to assume an identity. They read obituary columns, raid waste bins and even view properties for sale in an attempt to steal personal documentation or retrieve junk mail left lying around.
Karen Webster, deceased fraud prevention expert and Product Director for deceased ID prevention file Halo, added: “Raising awareness of Britain’s fastest growing identity theft is vital if we are to tackle the problem and reduce the number of victims in the future. Until then, we must work together with businesses to stop fraudulent applications being successful and teach people how best to protect themselves, friends and family.”
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About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.