Frauds attempt to sign Tory up to EDL and BNP

A COUNCILLOR is urging residents to be cautious about their personal security after fraudsters signed her up to numerous mobile phone contracts – and even extreme right-wing political groups.
By Oli Poole
Published 12th Aug 2015, 10:00 BST

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WH 230514 Adur and Worthing local elections count. Louise Murphy. Photo by Derek Martin. SUS-140524-004532001WH 230514 Adur and Worthing local elections count. Louise Murphy. Photo by Derek Martin. SUS-140524-004532001
WH 230514 Adur and Worthing local elections count. Louise Murphy. Photo by Derek Martin. SUS-140524-004532001

Offington councillor Louise Murphy was twice a victim of identity fraud and now regularly checks her credit history for suspicious entries.

She said: “Someone phoned me up and said they were from the EDL. They were following up an enquiry to join them and the BNP.

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“I said ‘I don’t think so. I think someone may have got my details and signed me up.”

Miss Murphy’s major issue, however, came when she returned home from work one night and had a letter from Vodafone on her doorstep.

The letter welcomed her to the network, despite the fact she already had a contract with EE.

A check of her credit report revealed the problem was more widespread.

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She said: “I checked my credit report and apparently I had signed contracts with Vodafone, O2, Carphone Warehouse and a second with EE - my own provider.

“I ended up having to contact the directors of fraud from searching LinkenIn to get it sorted. It was an horrific procedure.”

The councillor does not know how her details were taken but believes registering a business with Companies House before she was elected may have given fraudsters a route to her details.

She advises residents to keep a close eye on their bank statements and shred anything with their details on.

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She also recommends visiting www.cifas.org.uk for advice on protecting personal details.

She said: “I wanted to raise awareness. People should be vigilant. It is easy to become complacent and think it won’t happen to you but when it does, it’s like the rug has been pulled from under your feet.”

Sussex Police advises those suspecting they have fallen victim to identity theft to call Action Fraud’s 24-hour helpline on 0300 123 2040.

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Related topics:PeopleVodafone