Those keen to compare antivirus software from the main computer security companies should bear in mind other types of products and services out in the marketplace which are designed to protect people online.

But when you do take the time to compare antivirus software products, think sometimes outside of the box.

Take a look at the new service from credit checkers Experian. Called ProtectMyID it has just been launched and is specifically designed to protect consumers from the ever growing threat of ID fraud.

It works by allowing people to use an advanced and comprehensive online service to keep tabs on where their personal information is being stored and read to secure credit.

Experian are worried that identity theft is a growing problem and too few people are properly aware of the dangers they face when shopping on the internet and on the high-street, or banking online. The company’s own figures revealed that the number of identity theft cases with which they were asked to help by their customers, had jumped a massive 20%.

ProtectMyID is based on credit report monitoring which alerts a user – by text, or email – if their name, or other personal information, is attached to a new credit application. Should the user be affected, Experian step in to help and offer guidance.

Peter Turner, the managing director of Experian Interactive, said:
“Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK and our research shows that organised criminal fraudsters are not solely focusing on the wealthy but are now turning their attention to the wider population.

“There are increasingly higher volumes of less easily detectable crimes being committed against the more vulnerable groups, including the retired and young, low-income families. ProtectMyID is a service aimed to provide that safety net of protection so customers can rest assured that we are keeping an eye on their personal details, even when they can’t.”

In 2009, the Experian research report on identity theft revealed that even though the problem of such fraud was being publicised, it was in fact taking longer for people to realise they were a victim. This suggested to Experian that the people behind the fraud were getting better at covering their tracks, which made it more difficult for the victim, as well as the financial services sector in general.

It can take an alarming 416 days to discover that you have been a victim of fraud; that’s 17 more days than was the case in 2008.

As to what the cost of such fraud was, the average financial loss per person in 2009 was £1,100, with one particular customer reporting a loss of nearly £60,000.

So for those ready to compare antivirus software, don’t forget the other tools out there.

Guest Article by Neil Camp