Data Destruction - Identity Theft
What is Identity Theft
Identity Theft is where an individual uses your personal information to commit fraud, gain money, gain other
benefits or to hide their own identity. An individual obtains your personal details (without your knowledge)
and opens credit card accounts, obtains loans or indulging in other criminal activities.
This type of fraud can occur to individuals and businesses.
The affects of data theft
Home Office figures estimate that more than 100,000 people are affected by identity theft in the UK each
year and research carried out in Bedfordshire alone shows that a staggering 90 percent of disposed of computers
contain sensitive data that could be used to steal individual identities. This data is retrievable within 2 to 3 minutes.
The Home Office also estimate that it takes the average identity fraud victim 300 hours to put their records straight
after a criminal has stolen their personal details. Research indicates that it could take up to 8 months for victims
to become aware that their identity has being stolen.
Identity theft is the fastest growing type of fraud in the UK and costs businesses and individuals £1.72 billion
each year. With this potential it is now essential for you to dispose of your data in a secure manor.
The importance of data destruction
Even if you delete your data regularly or have reformatted your hard disk drive to delete all your old files, your
information is still retrievable and provides an easy way for criminals to steal your sensitive data and even your identity.
When it is time for you to dispose of your computer hardware you should always ensure that your personal data is
securely and permanently destroyed. Failure to correctly dispose of your equipment could leave your valuable data
exposed to a new breed of criminal.
How we can help you
R&R will ensure that your data is destroyed beyond any means of retrieval. All Data will be destroyed in a
confidential, environmentally friendly, safe and secure environment.
At no extra cost we will provide you with a Certificate of destruction and recycling if required.