Last week we informed you that we would be liaising with providers of identity theft protection plans following the malicious attack on PlayStation Network throughout our region. We are now in a position to provide you with actual details of the programme for current PlayStation Network and Qriocity consumers in UK, France, Spain, Italy and Germany.

As I have explained previously, identifying such programmes for the many countries within the SCEE region is a very complicated process. Each country has a different way of handling identity theft; whilst some offer relatively sophisticated services, others may not. Therefore, we must stress that this is an ongoing process which will see new identity theft protection programmes identified where possible.

That said, we are pleased to advise that Affinion International Limited, a leader in identity protection products in Europe, will be offering a comprehensive service that covers a significant proportion of PSN users free of charge for the first 12 months.

Affinion International Limited will be offering the following identity theft protection service and insurance through their fraud protect programme for the UK, France, Spain, Italy and Germany.

The fraud protect proposition cover three key areas:*

Personal Information protection

Monitoring and Alerting Service

Personal Information Protection Software

Help / Assistance and guidance

Dedicated helpline

Victim of Fraud support

Financial Protection

Insurance that covers the expenses incurred in identity restoration following identity fraud

Card Monitoring and Alerting Service

We are still working to identify similar services for those countries not covered by this offering, and this will depend on reputable businesses offering appropriate services. As such, we promise to keep you updated on progress right here on PlayStation.Blog.

We will provide you with information on how to contact Affinion shortly about this service.

Please note that PSN customers under the age of 18 are advised to consult their parent or guardian.

*For information as to the terms and conditions of Affinion International Limited’s programme please visit:

UK – www.fraudprotect.co.uk

France – www.fraudprotect.fr

Italy – www.fraudprotect.it

Germany – www.fraudprotect.de

Spain – www.fraudprotect.es

* For eligibility for fraud protect consumers must be 18+ and be an account holder on 20 April 2011.