Young renters at risk of ID fraud

Young people living in rented accommodation face the biggest risk of identity fraud, research reveals.

Analysis from credit checking company Experian shows single renters in their 20s and 30s are nearly three times more likely to be the target of attempted identity fraud than other sectors of the population.

Some 18 per cent of detected cases of identity fraud last year involved people in this age bracket renting a residential property in an urban area, while studying or taking their first steps on the career ladder.

They tend to rent from a private landlord, live in a flat, have a household income of between £20,000 and £29,000, have no children and regularly use their smartphone.

Nick Mothershaw, UK and Ireland director of identity and fraud at Experian, says shared hallways and easily accessible properties put renters at risk.

He claims regular use of mobile and online servers - something associated with young people - also heightens this risk.

Affluent couples are the sector of the population next most likely to be targeted by identity thieves, according to the research. They accounted for 11 per cent of identity fraud attempts foiled in 2014 before any money was taken.

Copyright Press Association 2015