Cases of identity fraud rife in capital

Published on 19/03/2010 19:13

EDINBURGH is Scotland's identity fraud hotspot, with those in the capital most likely to fall victim to scams that use their identities to steal money or obtain other benefits.

Identity fraud rose by 20 per cent across the UK last year, according to research by Experian, which said fraudsters were increasingly switching their attentions from the wealthy to low-income families.

About a third of identity fraud victims are aged between 18 and 34, with those most at risk including people living in flats with communal halls, or who move frequently.

Identity fraud in Scotland is most prevalent in Edinburgh, with East Renfrewshire, Stirling, East Dunbartonshire and Aberdeen making up the rest of the top five, said Experian. In terms of postcode, however, Glasgow's Morrison street is Scotland's most targeted area.