Protect yourself from ID fraud and foil the fraudsters

Swindon, UK, October 18, 2006 - UK Office Direct is supporting National Identification Fraud Prevention Week amid warnings that more people than ever are putting themselves at risk of becoming a victim. With identity theft costs the UK £1.3 billion a year and a quarter of adults in this country have either been a victim or know someone who has, it is becoming more important then every to protect your identity and take care when disposing of anything contain your personal details.

Michael Griffin, Managing Director, said: "This is a growing problem and domestic and company waste bins are a goldmine for fraudsters. Anything with your name and address on it can be used as a first step to stealing your identity so make sure that this material is shredded before you dispose of it.

UK Office Direct offers an extensive range of competitively priced shredders from industry leading brands like Fellowes, Acco Rexel and HSM, with models designed specially for both home and business use.

To view the full range please visit: http://www.ukofficedirect.co.uk/office_machine/shredder/

National Identification Fraud Prevention Week runs from 16th – 22nd October with information available on what the public can do to protect themselves and fight identity fraud.

Basic safety guidance:

* Keep your personal and confidential documents secure
* Always shred, using a cross cut shredder, before disposing of documentation – bank and credit card statements, utility bills, receipts, direct mail containing any personal information, mortgage applications etc
* Regularly check your bank and credit card accounts for unusual transactions
* Regularly obtain a copy of your credit report from credit reference agencies Callcredit, Equifax or Experian, and monitor it for discrepancies
* When you move home, redirect your mail to your new address by contacting Royal Mail Redirection Service on 0845 7740 740, visiting your local post office or www.royalmail.com
* Never give out any personal information to unidentified individuals or organisations who contact you by phone, email or face-to-face.
* If you have been a victim of identity fraud contact your nearest police station
* If you think you have been a victim of identity fraud you should consider subscribing to the CIFAS Protective Registration service. A notice will be placed on your credit file indicating that documents have been stolen and that you may therefore be at risk of identity fraud.

For more information on how to protect your identity or advice if you have been a victim of identity fraud visit: www.stop-idfraud.co.uk - the one-stop identity fraud prevention website.