10 June 2009
Lower income households are the new target for identity fraudsters, according to new analysis by credit report firm Credit Expert.
The three groups most likely to be the victims of credit card and other fraud live in either rented flats or houses, research from Experian shows.
Young singles in shared rented accommodation are the most likely to succumb to identity fraud, while unemployed singles with debts under control are the second-highest risk group for credit card identity theft.
Taking up third spot are high-flying graduates in privately rented accommodation in good areas.
Darryl Bowman, Director of CreditExpert, warned that no-one is safe from identity fraud as a result of this change in focus away from solely wealthy people.
He said: "Because of this, each one of us needs to be aware of the dangers of ID fraud and take steps to protect our identity and stop thieves from getting access to our personal information.
"One thing you can do is regularly check your credit report so you can spot unfamiliar activity, such as a fraudulent loan application in your name."
The UK card association recently suggested that Britons are less likely to be a victim of theft if they use a credit card for purchases abroad.