If you are working against identity fraud, enter the National Identity Fraud Prevention Awards. Prizes include £1000 of Fellowes office products, and a year of free monitoring for the winners’ business, suppliers and customers by credit checkers Equifax – with a value of £1500. Deadline for entries is September 17 before this year’s ID fraud prevention week from October 18 to 24.
The awards recognise and reward companies doing excellent work fighting identity fraud and those that have taken proactive steps to reduce their and their customers’ risk. The National Identity Fraud Prevention campaign is a nationwide initiative aimed at informing individuals and businesses about the threat of identity fraud and educating them on the best practices of how to protect themselves. The awards are supported by Fellowes, Equifax, National Fraud Authority, Experian, Metropolitan Police and City of London Police.
An identity fraud breach can not only cost a company dearly, but it can also cause irreparable damage to a company’s reputation. Conversely, being publicly known as a company which actively fights against identity fraud can be a selling point for companies in competitive times such as these.
“Keeping data secure is crucial for any business, especially with increased sensitivity around the way that companies handle their own data and that of their customers and suppliers. Simple steps such as registering and checking your details with security schemes, verifying customer identities with a credit reference agency, or destroying documents securely with a shredder can help. Whilst some companies are not following or demonstrating best practice, there are thousands of companies out there who are taking the fight against identity fraud seriously. We hope that these awards will not only recognise those companies who are going the extra mile, but also help to educate and inspire other organisations to take up the fight too,” said Tyron Hill, spokesperson for National Identity Fraud Prevention Week and Marketing Director at Fellowes Europe (award sponsor).
Dr Bernard Herdan, CEO of National Fraud Authority said: “Identity fraud is frequently the starting point for other frauds being committed. By cracking down on their vulnerability to identity fraud, businesses protect themselves and their customers from further exposure to crime, making the UK a more hostile environment for fraudsters. This award is a great opportunity for companies to win public recognition of their work fighting identity fraud.” Candidates for the award can be any business, of any size, which feels that it has put in place measures to prevent fraudsters targeting their company. Winners will be featured on the www.stop-idfraud.co.uk website. Visit to fill in the entry form.
