UK Netizens face threat of identity theft

People who use internet networking sites could be at risk of becoming victims of identity theft, a credit information group warned yesterday.

London, July 23 : People who use internet networking sites could be at risk of becoming victims of identity theft, a credit information group warned yesterday.

Equifax was quoted by The Independent as saying that people who were members of sites such as MySpace, Bebo, Facebook and Friends Reunited may be putting too many personal details about themselves online.

It said these details could be used by fraudsters to steal someone's identity and apply for credit and benefits in their name.

The group advised people to limit the personal information they make available online.

It said people should think twice before stating their full date of birth, as well as the names of children or pets, which are often used as passwords.

Identity theft is a growing problem in the UK, costing an estimated 1.5 billion pounds a year.

ANI