Experian^®, a global information solutions provider, today revealed the results of extensive research into the victims of identity fraud. Startling findings announced today include:

·        Likeliest victims include the wealthiest and the most successful homeowners, as well as those living in rented accommodation

·        The most common form of identity fraud is for the perpetrator to misuse someone's previous address

·        Credit and store card issuers are the hardest hit financial organisations

The results of this new research are published in the Experian Victims of Fraud Dossier. The study sought to highlight identity fraud trends by analysing the experiences of 4,000 victims who had been helped by Experian's free Victims of Fraud service. This service is run by a dedicated team of people within Experian's Consumer Help Service who provide expert advice and assistance that helps mend the damage caused by identity fraudsters.

More than half of all victims fall within the 30-50 age group and are almost equally male and female.  Experian analysis shows that the likeliest victims include the wealthiest and the most successful homeowners, as well as those living in rented accommodation.

The groups at most risk of ID fraud, according to Experian's Financial Strategy Segments consumer classification, include: privately-renting, high-flying graduates; thriving young couples with children and high outgoings; young singles in shared, rented accommodation earning reasonable wages; extremely successful people from very wealthy households; and high income earners living in premium-price city residences.

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