Callcredit says Brits only need follow four simple steps to ensure the safety of their cards – but over a third fail to do so.

The credit reference agency says Brits should: shred personal documents before discarding them; check their credit file regularly; have different passwords for financial accounts and cancel unwanted credit facilities.

MyCallcredit director Alison Nicholson says: “ID theft is one of the fastest growing types of fraud in the UK yet our research shows people aren’t taking the necessary steps to protect themselves.”

People in the north-east are the most conscientious according to the survey while those in the south are less likely to be as vigilant at checking their credit files.

Residents in Yorkshire were found to be the most careless with their PIN numbers, putting themselves at a high risk of theft.

To read more about Credit Card Protection, click here.

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