EQUIFAX URGES CONSUMERS TO BE VIGILANT AFTER KATIE PRICE BECOMES A VICTIM OF FRAUD

Consumers need to keep a close eye on their personal details

London 6th October 2011 - As reports emerge that model Katie Price has become the victim of a £14,000 fraud, leading ID fraud expert Equifax, is reminding consumers of the importance of regularly checking their credit report.

There is no typical victim of ID fraud, as fraudsters use an array of tactics to obtain people’s personal information. It is therefore vital that consumers try to protect themselves the best they can from this crime.

"As fraudsters are continuing to get increasingly unscrupulous and determined, consumers must remain on their guard and review the measures they are taking to protect their personal details," advises Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director at Equifax. "Regularly checking your bank statements and credit reports are just two methods used that will alert individuals to any unusual transactions that would indicate fraudulent activity."

In addition to regularly checking statements and credit reports, Equifax is offering consumers the following tips for when they are at home and at work to limit the chances of becoming a fraud victim:

• Never leave personal financial documents lying around and be wary of those near you when doing online banking
• No matter how much you trust your friends, work colleagues, never disclose your PIN number to anyone
• Ensure your computer screen is password protected and locked when you leave it unattended
• Make sure you wipe the history on your computer after use
• If you are using a public computer make sure you log out of sites, rather than just closing the window
• If you think you have become a victim of fraud, alert your banks and credit reference agencies immediately.
• You can notify CIFAS, which runs a Protective Registration service and a notice will be placed on your credit file informing lenders that you may be at risk of identity fraud on 0870 010 2091
• You can also call Action fraud for advice and support on 0300 123 2040 or visit their website www.actionfraud.org.uk

Tackling the threat of identity theft and fraud, Equifax Identity Watch Pro gives consumers unlimited, easy online access to their latest credit file, with automatic alerts within 24 hours of key changes to their credit report. It costs £7.50 per month. Or for just £2.99 per month, Equifax Identity Watch Lite makes monitoring a credit report easy by automatically alerting the individual within seven days of key changes.

ENDS

For further press information please contact: Louise Fowler, Clare Watson or Wendy Harrison at HSL on 020 8977 9132 / Fax: 020 8977 5200 or Email: louise@harrisonsadler.com

About Equifax

Equifax is a global leader in consumer and commercial information solutions, providing businesses of all sizes and consumers with information they can trust. We organize and assimilate data on more than 500 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide, and use advanced analytics and proprietary technology to create and deliver customized insights that enrich both the performance of businesses and the lives of consumers.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Equifax operates in four continents and 15 countries, is a member of Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500® Index. Its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EFX. For more information, please visit www.equifax.com.