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A recent survey published by the business research group,
Gartner Inc., has shown the problem of identity theft may be
far bigger than previously thought. The survey estimated
that in the US 7 million adults had been the victims of identity
theft in the twelve months ending June 2003. This is a 79% increase
on the previous year.
A new form of Internet fraud known as 'phishing' may be adding
to the problem. The fraudster sends emails, which look
as if they have come from a service provider, to customers of
service providers or retailers. The emails claim that the
service provider needs the consumer to verify his account information.
The consumer clicks on a link and is directed to a 'phisher'
page, which imitates the service provider's site. The consumer
is asked to re-submit personal information for the account, including
passwords and social security numbers. The fraudster captures
the information and uses it to make purchases, invade bank accounts
and otherwise steal the consumer's identity.
The problem of identity fraud is escalating. With no
criminal offence of identity theft under UK law, legislation
is needed to keep pace with these increasingly sophisticated
crimes. However in the civil courts the potential victim
is in a much stronger position. Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's
and other household names have been granted Court Orders forbidding
any use of their names on the Internet, although at that time
it was only a threat, not a reality.
Should your clients have problems with regard to identity
fraud we this consultancy is able to assist with the assistance
of cutting edge investigative experience and legal advisor colleagues
workingon the Fraud Advisory Panel.
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