25/08/2017

89,000 cases of identity theft were recorded in the first six months of 2017 – a 5% increase compared with  the equivalent period last year and a new record high, according to figures released by Cifas, the membership organisation formed to protect businesses and individuals from fraud.

While the number of identity fraud attempts against bank accounts and plastic have fallen by 14% and 12% respectively, they still account for more than 50% of cases. There have been substantial increases in identity fraud relating to loans (53.9%), telecoms (60.7%) and online retail (55.8%), while cases relating to insurance have zoomed from 20 to 2,070 – a 10,250% increase.

83% of identity fraud occurs online and it now accounts for 56% of all fraud recorded by Cifas. People in their 30s and 40s are the two most targeted groups of individuals but Cifas warns that businesses, as well as individuals, are being targeted by fraudsters.

In addition to setting out the statistics, ‘Identity fraud soars to new levels’ includes advice on what consumers can do to protect themselves and what they should do if they become a victim.

It also provides a link to the free Action Fraud Alert service provided by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. By signing up to it, you can receive email, recorded voice or text messages containing information about scams and frauds in your area.