UK Consumer Information

Credit reference agency Callcredit have today published a report which identifies areas in the UK that have a high and low risk of ID fraud.

Topping the list of 121 localities in the Britain is Sunderland, which has been listed as the most “at risk” area.

The research published today helps to highlight the scale to which fraudulent activity takes place across the UK.

Leading UK credit reference agency Equifax are urging consumers to ensure they are registered to vote in the run-up to May’s General Election.

Registering to vote will not only enable individuals to have their say on which Party will be next to run the Country, but being registered on the electoral roll also improves and individual’s credit status.

In some cases, consumers who are not registered could find it more difficult to get credit.

Equifax’s External Affairs Director, Neil Munroe, explained that, “A lot of people, particularly the younger generations such as students, aren’t aware that not being on the electoral roll at their current address can affect their credit score”.

Equifax have recently announced that consumers are now able to access their statutory credit report direct from their official website.

The announcement follows new Government guidelines which aim to give consumers easier access to their credit files.

The new guidelines will also enable consumers to to gauge how likely they are to be accepted for new credit such as loans, mortgages, or credits and enable to quickly spot any errors on their files.

The Government want everyone to have access to their credit report online by June 2010, with access to the report set at a maximum of £2.

UK credit references agencies Experian and Call Credit have both also announced plans to offer their reports online by the set June deadline.