Identity fraudsters could use poll cards
Identity fraud experts are warning voters to take particular care of their polling cards as they could be used to gain access to their money.
With more than 44 million polling cards in circulation during the election campaign, a leading criminologist is warning people to take very good care of their cards.
Professor Martin Gill is also advising the 18 million people who are predicted not to vote, to make sure they destroy their polling cards rather than just throw them in the bin.
In a study undertaken by Professor Gill on behalf of Capital One Bank, his team was able to use polling cards as ‘proof of identification’ to withdraw cash on a credit card and collect a number of registered parcels from the Post Office.
Professor Gill, who calls these findings “extremely worrying”, said: “Ultimately the study highlights that people need to look after their personal documentation and ensure that information such as their account details are kept secret and secure.”
In some cases, banks only wanted simple details such as the address, postcode or date of birth in order for the polling cardholder to withdraw cash and check balances.
Capital One spokesperson, Dan Cobley added: “Polling cards are clearly visible, with no envelope to disguise them, and have no photo, signature or other feature to link them to their bearer.
“This makes them even more attractive to identity thieves.”
