Identity theft

2. Sign up to ‘PROOF’ to file company documents online using a protected password system. Companies House has introduced a free, password protected, online system for companies to alter their details on the register, meaning data can only be changed by a company-specific password

3. Join an ‘alert’ system that warns you of any changes made to your company details from Credit Reference Agencies Callcredit, Equifax or Experian

4. Double check customer records to ensure documents are not fraudulent if providing goods or service on credit

5. Keep the main company bank account out of the public domain. Fraudsters will not just mimic individuals to access personal accounts but can obtain control of a business account through impersonating directors signatories

6. Implement a well formulated document disposal policy

7. Secure all sensitive documents with limited staff access

8. Always shred, using a confetti cut shredder, before disposing of documentation – bank and credit card statements, utility bills, receipts, direct mail containing any personal information, mortgage applications etc

9. Train staff on the risks of corporate and customer identity fraud

10. Secure electronic communications and documents with firewall and anti virus software

Companies House also recently set up new procedures to protect organisations and ensure they retain their identities.

For more about National Identity Fraud Prevention Week see www.stop-idfraud.co.uk, it has a test to highlight ‘how at risk you are’ – plus there is a freephone number – 00800 1810 1810 - that businesses can call to receive a specially produced ‘Protecting Your Identity’ guide.

National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, which is running from the 16th – 22nd October is an unprecedented awareness drive put in place by an expert group of public and private sector partners, including the Metropolitan Police, the Federation of Small Businesses, Crimestoppers, The Identity and Passport Service, CIFAS – The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, Fellowes, Callcredit, Equifax and Experian.

David Croucher of the Federation of Small Businesses said: "Every business in Britain needs to be fully aware of the growing threat of ID fraud. The consequences can be terminal for a small firm and can affect the individuals involved for many years. Businesses and employees need to be fully aware of the need to protect the identity of the firm, themselves and their customers from criminals."

Joan Ryan MP, the Home Office Minister with responsibility for identity fraud, said: “The Government is concerned about identity fraud and we have established the Identity Fraud Steering Committee to implement measures to reduce the problem, including raising awareness in businesses. Identity fraud is a drain on our economy and causes distress to everyday lives. Victims often experience problems reclaiming their identity and find it hard to get credit. National Identity Fraud Prevention Week 2006 will help to inform organisations on how to protect themselves and their customers from identity fraud and I welcome this initiative, which builds on last year’s event, and the Government’s awareness raising activity.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Nigel Mawer, Head of Economic and Specialist Crime, Metropolitan Police Service said: "The Metropolitan Police Service is committed to working with partners to combat economic criminality through its ‘St£rling’ economic crime strategy. Identity theft is not a victimless crime- it can cause serious implications for individual victims, corporations, the public at large and the economy as a whole."

Tyron Hill, Marketing Director, Fellowes and spokesperson for National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, said: “It is absolutely vital that businesses take more care when disposing of personal or confidential information. To simply throw it in a bin without destroying it is putting your business and your customers at grave risk from identity fraudsters. It is time for everyone to get wise to identity fraud - too many businesses are still being complacent about the risks.”

Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax comments: “Far too many businesses are burying their heads in the sand on the issue of corporate ID fraud. When you consider that it is estimated that corporate ID theft could be costing British businesses £50 million a year, ignoring the problem could be very expensive indeed. And the cost of ID theft and fraud isn’t just financial; a company stands to lose its hard-earned reputation and the confidence of customers – two things most businesses simply can’t afford to lose. Common sense and due diligence are key to preventing businesses from becoming one of these victims.”

Gary Wood, Managing Director, Experian’s Fraud Solutions business, said: “In today’s ultra hi-tech and fast moving business environment it is essential that organisations are ahead of the game to minimise fraud. There are many different ways in which an organisation can fall victim, it is essential to take steps to minimise the risk."

Nigel Evans, Member of Parliament for Ribble Valley and Chair of the All Party Group on Identity Fraud, added: “Businesses have a duty to themselves and their customers to prevent identity fraud. I strongly urge all businesses to take the necessary, but simple, steps to protect their customers. No one should lose their identity because a business has failed to properly dispose of personal or confidential information”.