Recession increases fraud fear for UK citizens

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Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of UK citizens believe they are more at risk from identity theft and related crimes such as credit card fraud, thanks to the arrival of the recession.

So claims the Unisys Security Index, released today, which surveyed more than 8,500 people in nine countries including the UK.

The report also showed that 88 per cent of consumers are concerned about other people obtaining and using their credit card, debit card or bank account and a further 88 per cent are concerned about others gaining unauthorised access to or misusing their personal information.

Neil Fisher, vice president of global security solutions at Unisys, said in a statement: “It is very interesting to see that fraud fears have deepened as a result of the financial crisis. The current economic climate is forcing many companies to cut costs but a real or perceived drop in spending on security can have a major impact on consumer confidence.”

In the UK, consumer confidence has significantly dropped. Last year 46 per cent of UK citizens were concerned about their ability to meet essential financial obligations but this has now jumped to 58 per cent, according to the research.

There has also been a rise in fears about computer security with 69 per cent of UK respondents saying they are concerned and 65 per cent said they are worried about their safety and security when shopping or banking online.

“Robust security procedures to protect against online fraud and ID theft are crucial to ensuring customer confidence, particularly with regards to online shopping and banking," added Fisher.

"Now is not the time for UK plc to take its eye off the ball when it comes to keeping customers safe and protected.”

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