MEP Urges Caution On Revealing Personal Details

1.38.31pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 11th Aug 2008

Local Euro-MP Liz Lynne says that both companies and consumers need to be careful when sending personal details through the post.

Liz decided to speak out as one of the millions of people who receive a mountain of postcards and leaflets advertising all manner of special offers and deals and asking for important personal information such as home addresses, telephone numbers and even copies of a person's signature, to be sent back through the open mail.

Putting these details on the back of a flyer or coupon leaves people wide open to identity fraud and other potential data abuse.

Liz Lynne, who has often warned about identify theft tricks and scams, remarked that it is vital people consider these dangers before responding to such offers, saying:

"Anyone can read something written on the back of a postcard, there is nothing to stop criminals from simply copying down this information and using it for their own ends.

"People have to be vigilant about what information they are giving out, and who may be able to see it."

While asking for personal details, including signatures, is not illegal, Liz is calling on companies to consider how the information they require can be returned safely.

"Even simply supplying an envelope for customers can mean that any data sent isn't on display for all the world to see and is a simple step in helping combat the growing problem of identity theft

"The important thing is for both companies and the public to always think about who else could get their hands on the information and ensure that it is as difficult as possible for criminals to do so."

ENDS

Notes:

Advice on what is acceptable in direct mail adverting can be sought from Consumer Direct at http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/. Their hotline number is: 08454 04 05 06.