Consumers 'confused' over ID theft action
(27 June 2007)

More than 42 million UK adults do not know how to find out whether they have been victims of ID theft, according to a new survey.

Research from Capital One found that just one in ten are aware of what they should do if they suspect that their ID has been stolen.

Despite the fact that the majority do not know what to do, 99 per cent are aware of the problem of ID theft, with 41 per cent concerned they could become victims.

"Although these figures encouragingly show an almost universal awareness about ID theft and a high level of concern, it is worrying that people are still being blase about storage and disposal of confidential personal documents," said Professor Martin Gill, criminologist from research consultancy Perpetuity.

The study also found that young people in particular are being careless with their personal items, with 55 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds not taking any action to protect themselves against ID theft.