Failing to keep all address details up to date after moving home is an easy trap to fall into but it could potentially make you a victim of identity fraud.

Whilst you might think that not receiving your latest credit card bill immediately is not necessarily bad news, failing to notify people of your address change could make you a victim of one of the UK’s fastest growing crimes.

New figures released from Royal Mail show that over the last year incorrect addressing resulted in 193 million letters being delivered to an address where the recipient had ‘gone away’. A large proportion of these letters contain enough information to permit identity fraud.

If you fail to inform people of a change of address it is easy pickings for fraudsters. All it takes is a few basic details such as date of birth, credit card or bank account numbers or even utility bills, all of which can be found in your mail.

• Fraudsters use other people’s identity to borrow money, go shopping, buy cars and mobile telephones and open phoney bank accounts.
• Worryingly, incidences of identity fraud have increased from 20,000 in 1999 to over 100,000 in 2003.
• According to research from Experian, it can take an average of 16 months before the victim becomes aware of fraudulent activity.
• It can take two years to sort out the damage from fraudulent activity, which could make it difficult for victims to get a mortgage, credit card or a bank loan in that time, say Experian.
• The Cabinet Office figures estimate that identity fraud costs the UK £1.3 billion a year.

To make it easier for home movers to keep their personal details secure Royal Mail has installed a safe and easy to use facility on their website. A few clicks to provide your new details and Royal Mail will inform companies such as banks, utility companies and government bodies of your new address. There’s no charge all it will take is a minute or two of your time and the internet connection is fully secured.

Richard Roche, Head of Retail for Royal Mail, said: “Although the majority of people would never dream of opening another person’s mail, allowing items such as credit card or utility bills to fall into another persons hand could provide a potential goldmine for fraudsters.”

“We hope that by helping people to keep address details up to date it will make life harder for fraudsters and provide a sense of security for our customers.”

Areas inhabited by young professionals generated the most post containing sensitive information: 24% of their post. This figure dipped to 14% in wealthy family areas, 7% in blue-collar areas and 4-5% in council house areas. As well as making good use of credit and store card facilities, young professionals tend to congregate in rental and ‘starter home’ areas. Fraudsters target these places where few people know their neighbours.

Fraud-busting tips:

• Tell everyone when you move house – even junk mail can be used by fraudsters.
• Keep bank statements, payslips, utility bills and passports in a safe place.
• Shred confidential information before recycling or throwing it away.
• Don’t give away personal information to cold callers or unsecured websites.
• Check bank statements and report any discrepancies.
• Take action promptly.

If you suspect any fraud, obtain your credit report immediately. You can apply for your credit report online at Experian.co.uk, or by calling 0870 241 6212. Your credit report costs just £2 to order and will be sent to you by post.

The Royal Mail home movers help page can be found on their website at www.royalmail.com