Call to limit info and beat fraud

Northern Ireland consumers have been urged to protect themselves from identity crime by being more cautious in handing over personal details.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said the amount of information held by companies should be minimised.

"40% of people would admit they hand over information without thinking of the trustworthiness of companies," said Aubrey McCrory of the ICO.

The ICO has launched an online guide on protecting personal information.

A survey by the ICO suggested that people in Northern Ireland are more aware than ever of the value of their personal information.

The organisation said, however, that information may be unnecessarily at risk because people are not asserting their rights under the Data Protection Act.

The ICO said almost a third of people in Northern Ireland have never considered contacting an organisation to find out what information it holds about them.