News in brief

News in brief

Advertising watchdog attacks IVA firms

Three leading debt solution firms were slammed last week by the advertising watchdog for making exaggerated claims about how they could help out those in the red. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that Accuma, W3 Debt Solutions and Money Debt and Credit had misled the public in TV and radio adverts about the benefits of one common type of debt solution - an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA). The ads claimed that people deeply in debt could wipe off up to 80 per cent of the money they owed by signing up to an IVA. The ASA told the firms to pull the ads and to resist making similar claims in the future.

Citizens Advice said it was pleased with the ruling. 'We have seen cases of people being persuaded to take out IVAs when these are not appropriate, often with disastrous results,' said Peter Tutton, policy officer for Citizens Advice.

Young, single and fleeced

Young, single professionals living in fashionable areas are twice as likely to be victims of identity fraud than the average UK resident, according to new research from credit reference agency Experian. Those renting high-value flats are prime targets for identity fraudsters, who are now increasingly using a victim's current address, rather than their previous address, to open false bank accounts.

According to Experian, 'present address fraud' now accounts for almost 50 per.....continued below

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cent of identity fraud cases. 'This type of fraud requires sophisticated methods of mail interception or redirection,' said Jill Stevens at Experian. 'Organised criminal gangs often source vast amounts of data online before implementing sophisticated fraud against a wide range of victims.'

The research also revealed that the boroughs of Westminster and Kensington in London are the highest risk areas in the UK for identity fraud.

Giving something back

The UK's first carbon-negative homes are going on sale in Leeds this week. Greenhouse, built by eco-home developer Citu, aims to give energy back to the grid. The development, a conversion of a 1930s art deco building, includes a wind turbine which will generate enough electricity for all Greenhouse homes, an organic allotment and eco-shuttle buses to take residents into town.

Greenhouse comprises 172 homes. Prices start from £59,000 and go up to £205,000. For details call 0870 8799111 or visit www.greenhouseleeds.co.uk

Guardian Unlimited © Guardian News and Media Limited 2006