Equifax Urges ‘Cyber Monday’ Shoppers to Monitor Their Identity Online
(PRWEB UK) 20 November 2013 -- Leading ID fraud and credit information expert, Equifax, is urging consumers to protect their personal information in cyber-space as retailers prepare for an online shopping frenzy on 2nd December. Predicted to be the busiest day for online shopping in the run-up to Christmas, ‘Cyber Monday’ won’t just be a good day for retailers. Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax is warning that it could be a bonanza time for online fraudsters too and is urging shoppers to get protected with Equifax WebDetect.
“On Cyber Monday 2012, Amazon clocked 3.5million* sales in just 24 hours and predictions** for this year suggest Christmas shoppers could spend as much as £10billion online in one day”, explained Neil Munroe. “Whilst shopping online is obviously less stressful than fighting the crowds in the high street, it can bring its own stresses if shoppers aren’t careful about where they share their personal financial information.
“Fraudsters trawl cyber-space for the identities of real people, enabling them to access existing bank and credit card accounts as well as set up new accounts in victims’ names. It has been estimated that it only takes three pieces of information to steal someone’s identity, so it’s easy to see how simple it is for the fraudsters. And over the Christmas shopping period, they will have more opportunity than ever to take advantage, with many victims not realising they’ve been targeted until their credit card bills arrive next January.
“Obviously being vigilant about the websites used is important, but we also recommend that festive shoppers use the Equifax WebDetect service to help them keep track of their information by monitoring its use across the internet.”
Equifax’s WebDetect service offers an added layer of security against fraudsters who may be trawling the net for personal information. Using the latest cutting edge technology to search places where criminals trade including networks, chat rooms and websites worldwide, Equifax WebDetect enables the detection of stolen identity credentials, finding consumer data regardless of nationality or location.
Consumers can ask Equifax WebDetect to monitor up to six personal telephone numbers and addresses, twelve bank and credit account numbers and their national insurance number for the ultimate in protection. Once compromised data has been identified, WebDetect alerts the individual, giving them a crucial opportunity to take proactive steps to protect their identity such as cancelling bank cards and credit card accounts.
“We think it’s really important that online shoppers don’t leave the safety of their identity to chance”, added Neil Munroe. “With Equifax WebDetect, they can have the peace of mind that if their personal details get into the hands of fraudsters they will know about it.”
WebDetect is free for customers purchasing their Equifax Credit Report or Credit Score.
The Equifax Credit Report is accessible for 30 days free simply by logging onto our website. If customers do not cancel before the end of the 30 Day Free Trial, the service will continue at £9.95 per month, giving them unlimited online access to their credit information and weekly alerts on any changes to their credit file. It also includes an online dispute facility to help them correct any errors on their credit file simply and quickly.
About Equifax
Equifax is a global leader in consumer, commercial and workforce information solutions that provide businesses of all sizes and consumers with insight and information they can trust. Equifax organizes and assimilates data on more than 600 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide. The company’s significant investments in differentiated data, its expertise in advanced analytics to explore and develop new multi-source data solutions, and its leading-edge proprietary technology enable it to create and deliver unparalleled customized insights that enrich both the performance of businesses and the lives of consumers.
Clare Watson | Nakhalar Sterling | Wendy Harrison | Cecile Stearn | Ed McCambridge, Equifax, http://www.equifax.co.uk/, +44 20 8977 9132, [email protected]
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