BT offers insurance against identity theft

BT has started selling insurance against online identity theft.

Called BT Identity Protection, the policy costs from £44.99 a year, and covers people for up to £50,000 if they need to “restore their identity”.

BT's website says the expenses typically include legal fees, lost wages, costs for rejected loan fees, postage and telephone calls.

If needed, people will receive a personal caseworker, as well as a new passport and driving license.

The service also provides credit monitoring so BT can let customers know if it believes someone is trying to steal their identity.

BT has also announced that its broadband customers will be given practical online and offline support and on preventing, detecting and resolving identity theft.

This service, called BT Identity Support, will come as standard with three of BT’s broadband options.

Gavin Patterson, group managing director Consumer, BT, said: “Identity theft has become a very real threat to all internet users. One in four people in the UK has been a victim of it or knows someone who has, and our research shows it’s currently costing the UK £1.7 billion each year.

“It is increasingly important that customers are aware of the online security threats they may face and use the tools they are provided with to ensure they continue to have an enjoyable and safe internet experience.”

http://www.bt.com/broadband/security
http://www.bt.com/btidentityprotection