Sunderland shoots up list of ID fraud hotspots

Sunderland has become the UK’s ID fraud hotspot, according to new study by Callcredit Information Group.

The research shows that out of 121 UK localities, Sunderland is the area where the risk of exposure to ID fraud is greatest.

The north east city has shot up the list compared to two years ago when it was ranked the 15th most “at risk” area in Callcredit’s last such study.

But the risk of being exposed to ID fraud has dropped in the capital with just three London districts making it into the top ten list, compared to eight in 2008. Overall, the north east was the region where the risk of ID fraud was greatest followed by London.

Half of the top ten areas on the list were in the north including Manchester, Wolverhampton, Oldham and Middlesbrough. The risk of exposure was lowest in the south east, with Guildford, Kingston, Reading and St Albans, all in the list of ten areas where the risk of exposure to ID fraud is lowest.

The study is based on data including known fraud cases, house prices, the electoral roll, unemployment data and geo-demographic data.

John Cannon, Head of Product Strategy, Financial Crime of Callcredit.com said: “The research shows the extent to which all areas of the UK now find themselves exposed to fraud but what really stands out is how the levels of risk are constantly changing. It’s important to be aware of the risk and to do what you can to protect yourself from falling victim.”