Over one in six cases of identity fraud involve single young tenants.

They are the most targeted demographic for identity thieves, Experian has reported.

Tenants’ stolen details are the most common to be used for current account fraud and for fraudulent credit card and loan applications.

Last year, one in six fraudulent credit card applications were made using ID stolen from tenants and 17% of fraudulent loan applications involved the details of young tenants.

Affluent couples living in prestigious areas are the second most popular targets for identity thieves, accounting for 11% of all identity theft in 2014.

Nick Mothershaw, director of identity and fraud at Experian, said: “Shared hallways and easily accessible properties mean that rental tenants’ details are most at risk compared to other demographics. Also they are prolific users of mobile and online services, meaning that fraudsters have even more avenues to try and steal people’s details.

“Wealthy couples also continue to find themselves as a target due to the large pay days on offer to identity thieves, but the good news is that financial institutions are constantly improving in the fight against fraud.”