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Callcredit welcomes tougher penalties for misuse of personal data

14 February 2007

Leeds-based credit reference agency Callcredit warmly welcomes the tightening of the law on misuse of personal data, announced by the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Director of industry relationships Melanie Mitchley said: “The fact that courts will be able to jail people who trade in - or deliberately misuse – individuals’ personal data will be far more of a deterrent than a fine.

“Identity fraud is a growing problem. The number of victims rose to 67,406 in 2006, up by 20% on the previous year and this additional action to protect people’s privacy is to be welcomed.

Lord Falconer, Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, said he planned to increase the maximum punishment to two years’ imprisonment as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

About Callcredit

1. Callcredit(www.callcredit.co.uk) is the UK's most technologically advanced credit reference agency, providing the market with a comprehensive range of consumer credit information services.
2. Callcredit has harnessed state-of-the-art information technology with an unrivalled knowledge of the industry's needs to develop a range of innovative information solutions. Solutions that are enabling major lenders and a host of other blue chip companies to address regulatory requirements, make better credit decisions, target new customers more effectively and manage existing customers more profitably.
3. Callcredit forms part of the Skipton Information Group, together with database management company EuroDirect and market analysis firm GMAP Consulting.

For further press information contact: Jane Fordham, Katie Moore or Sophie Smith at the Callcredit Press Office on 0207 067 0600 or callcreditpr@golinharris.com

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Callcredit Limited, One Park Lane, Leeds. West Yorkshire. LS3 1EP.
Telephone: +44 (0) 113 244 1555 Facsimile: +44 (0)113 234 0050 Email: info@callcredit.co.uk