Mar 21 2006
Art imitates life in the upcoming action thriller, Firewall, which highlights the devastating effects of identity theft. Harrison Ford stars as Jack Stanfield, a bank computer security expert who discovers that a thief has stolen his identity. Fortunately, Jack pinpoints the problem on his Equifax Credit Report – then he begins to fight back!

Set for release on 31st March, Firewall brings the issues of ID fraud to UK cinema screens, putting the spotlight on the ongoing threat of this almost invisible crime. The film’s production team worked with Equifax in the USA to ensure that the film’s representation of the Equifax Credit Report was as accurate as possible.

“Identity fraud now costs the UK economy £1.7 billion a year with 1 in 4* consumers becoming victims,” explains Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director of Equifax. “The release of Firewall will help to raise awareness of the very real threat of identity fraud, which impacts the lives of many people in the UK every day.

“The problem with identity theft is many people don’t realise they are victims until several months after the crime has been committed or until they apply for credit. Equifax plays a large part in educating consumers on the importance of credit management and highlighting ways to protect themselves against identity theft and fraud without having to be an action hero.”

Equifax Credit Watch helps consumers spot ID fraud before it happens. The service monitors an individual’s credit report and alerts them to any changes as soon as it happens via SMS or email. This includes whenever searches are made for a credit application in their name, changes to credit account balances, amendments to electoral roll information, the addition of County Court Judgments, etc. Through Equifax Credit Watch consumers also gain unlimited access to their Equifax Credit Report ensuring that they can fully understand the information that is affecting their credit status.

Equifax also operates the Protective Registration Service on behalf of CIFAS, the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service. Anyone affected by ID fraud can contact Equifax and a notice will be placed on their credit file indicating that documents have been stolen and that they may therefore be at risk of identity fraud. To register telephone 0870 010 2091.

Consumers can learn how to protect themselves and gain instant online access to Equifax Credit Watch and their Equifax Credit Report at www.equifax.co.uk.

* 2,300 MyEquifax members were surveyed in 2005