Office staff warned over ID theft

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Some 15.3 million office workers in the UK are at risk of ID theft by over-trusting their colleagues, according to new research.

Four in five (83%) said they completely trusted their work colleagues, with one in five (22%) believing they know as much about them as their closest friends, the study by Sheilas' Wheels home insurance found.

But with the cost of ID theft in the UK now more than £1.72bn per year, the group has warned it was important for people to take steps to protect their personal information.

The insurer warned against making personal calls and accessing personal information at your desk after two thirds of office workers (66%) admitted to openly disclosing information when renewing insurance polities or pay utility bills for example and more than 60% saying their computer screens are clearly visible to nearby colleagues.

Workers were also advised to keep their desks and bins clear of personal documents and to keep their handbags with them at all times and also against giving out card details and PINs.

The study found 3% of office workers (459,389) had let a colleague use their bank or credit card for work purposes - including withdrawing cash from an ATM on their behalf.

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