More support needed for victims of identity theft

1.28.12pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 30th Aug 2006

Liberal Democrat MP Andrew Stunell and Crawley Councillor Linda Seekings at a recent Conference

Andrew Stunell has called on the government and businesses to provide support for victims of identity theft. Identity theft is now the UK's fastest growing crime. It affects thousands of people and costs the UK economy an estimated £1.7 billion each year.

Andrew Stunell, MP for Hazel Grove, said "It has been hitting people hard and frankly in one case I know about there was not a lot of interest by the banks or the police. Victims of identity theft are put under a great deal of strain. The financial mess that identity theft causes can sometimes take years to resolve."

A quicker response by the authorities when identity theft is suspected, prompt police action and much stronger advice to the general public about how to avoid the risk are all needed says Mr Stunell. "There is currently an overwhelming lack of support to help those that have been victims of this crime. It is vital that the recommendations made by the National Consumer Council, to make it easier for identity theft victims to rebuild their lives, are implemented."