National Identity Fraud Prevention Week Launches New Awards

First Ever Awards Program Dedicated to Fighting Identity Fraud

DONCASTER, England, July 26, 2010 - This week sees the launch of the first ever Identity Fraud
Prevention Awards. The awards recognise and reward companies doing excellent
work fighting identity fraud and those that have taken proactive steps to
reduce their and their customers' risk.

The Identity Fraud Prevention Awards are being launched as
part of this year's National Identity Fraud Prevention campaign. The National
Identity Fraud Prevention campaign is a nationwide initiative aimed at
informing individuals and businesses about the threat of identity fraud and
educating them on the best practices of how to protect themselves. The awards
are supported by Fellowes, Equifax, National Fraud Authority, Experian,
Metropolitan Police and City of London Police.

Identity fraud still costs the UK an estimated GBP1.2 billion
every year[1]. While consumers are now increasingly aware of the risks posed
by ID fraud, this is not yet the case for corporate fraud. Over a third
(36%)[2] of UK businesses don't have a comprehensive policy or procedure in
place to prevent identity fraud. Yet, there are also many examples of
companies who are leading the way in helping prevent and protect against
these threats. These companies are not only holding the standard in helping
to protect themselves, but are also inspiring and educating others to step up
and do their part in the prevention process.

An identity fraud breach can not only cost a company dearly,
but it can also cause irreparable damage to a company's reputation.
Conversely, being publicly known as a company which actively fights against
identity fraud can be a selling point for companies in competitive times such
as these.

"Keeping data secure is crucial for any business, especially
with increased sensitivity around the way that companies handle their own
data and that of their customers and suppliers. Simple steps such as
registering and checking your details with security schemes, verifying
customer identities with a credit reference agency, or destroying documents
securely with a shredder can help. Whilst some companies are not following or
demonstrating best practice, there are thousands of companies out there who
are taking the fight against identity fraud seriously. We hope that these
awards will not only recognise those companies who are going the extra mile,
but also help to educate and inspire other organisations to take up the fight
too." Commented Tyron Hill, spokesperson for National Identity Fraud
Prevention Week and Marketing Director at Fellowes Europe (award sponsor).

Dr Bernard Herdan, CEO of National Fraud Authority said,
"Identity fraud is frequently the starting point for other frauds being
committed. By cracking down on their vulnerability to identity fraud,
businesses protect themselves and their customers from further exposure to
crime, making the UK a more hostile environment for fraudsters. This award is
a great opportunity for companies to win public recognition of their work
fighting identity fraud."

Candidates for the award can be any business, of any size,
which feels that it has put in place successful measures to prevent
fraudsters targeting their company. Eligibility for the award doesn't depend
on how expensive your prevention measures are; some of the most effective
ways of fighting fraud are simple and sometimes even free!

If you feel that your company does outstanding work in
protecting its data and clients from identity fraud, visit the website:
www.stop-idfraud.co.uk/awards.aspx to fill in the entry form.

    - The submission deadline is the 17th September 2010.
    - The shortlist will be announced on the 27th September.
      Winners and shortlisted businesses will be featured on our website as
      Identity Fraud Ambassadors.
    - The winners will be announced just before the National
      Identity Fraud Prevention Week itself on the 17th October. The winner
      will be able to use the 2010 Identity Fraud Awards logo on their
      website and all marketing materials.

About National Identity Fraud Prevention Week

National Identity Fraud Prevention Week is a nationwide effort
to help in the battle against identity fraud, both in the workplace and at
home. Its main aim is to inform the general public about the threat of
identity fraud and the simple steps businesses and consumers can take to
protect themselves. For more information about the campaign please visit
www.stop-idfraud.co.uk/. For information on how to prevent all types
of fraud please visit Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting and
advice centre, run by the NFA www.actionfraud.org.uk/.

[1] Identity Fraud Steering Committee figures, 2008

[2] Research commissioned by Fellowes. Fellowes research was conducted by
Dynamic Markets between 30 June and 6 July 2009, and includes a sample size
of 3000 participants across Europe (1000 in the UK). The National Fraud
Authority's research was conducted by YouGov from 15 to 17 September, and
included a sample size of 531

    For more information about the awards, please contact
    Georgina Miller
    Fleishman-Hillard
    +44(0)20-7395-7081
    Georgina.miller@fleishmaneureope.com

For more information about the awards, please contact: Georgina Miller, Fleishman-Hillard, +44(0)20-7395-7081, Georgina.miller at fleishmaneureope.com