Identity-fraud survey points the finger at victims' nearest and dearest

Nearly a third of victims of identity theft know the perpetrator – and they often believe it to be a member of their own family, according to a new report. Around 31% of victims revealed that they knew the fraudster who had misused their personal information for financial gain, with more than two-thirds believing a relative was responsible, the survey by credit-reference agency Experian revealed. Published to tie in with National Identity Fraud Prevention Week , the report found that as many as a quarter of victims suspect fellow tenants in a shared building, often because they have access to victims' mail which is delivered to shared hallways. Friends appear to be less untrustworthy than their nearest and dearest, however, with just 3% of the 5,000 identity-fraud victims interviewed pointing the finger at a pal. About 2% blamed a former partner and 1% a work colleague. Nearly 2 million people have their identities stolen every year, at a cost to the UK of £2.7bn, according to a separate report published by the National Fraud Authority earlier this week. Crooks once focused their attention on more prosperous targets but now appear to be no respecter of social or economic class. Experian said it saw evidence of criminals committing higher volumes of lower-value fraud against people whose lifestyle made them more vulnerable to the crime. At increasing risk appear to be young professionals and single parents on low-incomes, as well as those living in flats with communal halls and shared postal deliveries, and those making frequent home moves. Peter Turner, of Experian's ProtectMyID.co.uk service, said: "Unfortunately, it seems that those who are most trusted are also those most likely to be put under the spotlight when ID fraud is committed. "With this research revealing that so many victims think they know who the perpetrator is, suspicions are bound to run riot as to who it might be. It has never been more important to be vigilant with personal details and ensure you keep passwords and private data to yourself."