Rip Off Britain – Oct 2018

Last week, Arun spoke with TV presenter Charlie Webster and retired headteacher James – both victims of different forms of identity fraud.

Charlie Webster first experienced a security breach when her card was declined – only to discover that somebody had accessed her information to impersonate her, cancelling the existing card and ordering a new one to be delivered. When Charlie ordered a new card – cancelling the current order – she discovered her post was being intercepted. The fraudsters – equipped with the new card after intercepting her post – proceeded to empty Charlie’s bank account.

James learnt his identity had been stolen when he returned to an old address to collect his mail – here he discovered a letter from HMRC detailing an investment company that had been set up in his name. This placed James in the potential line of fire for any disgruntled investors – he knew nothing about this.

“It’s great that Rip off Britain is spreading the word of how people of all generations and organisations should be vigilant of identity theft and be swift in their response to any breaches,” says Arun.