Do not be a Santa to fraudsters this Christmas

Nigel Evans, Member of Parliament for the Ribble Valley and Chair of the All Party Group on Identity Fraud, has today warned of the dangers of ID fraud over the Christmas period.

Speaking from Westminster, Mr Evans said,

“With so much internet shopping at this time of year and the frantic nature of the build up to Christmas, people should not forget about the dangers of ID fraud. It is so much easier when one’s mind is elsewhere to fall foul of a phishing email for example.

“I would urge everyone not to reply to any unsolicited email relating to personal information and certainly not to disclose bank details or passwords over the internet No financial institution will ask you for this information. Despite being busy people should still, more than ever, take care to look at all their bank and building society statements to ensure that all purchases have been correctly authorised. Do not put the statements out in the dustbin unless they have been properly shredded. Fraudsters will be trawling through bins this Christmas looking for receipts or statements in order to steal your identity. Do not be a Santa to fraudsters this Christmas – do not give them any unintended presents.”