Identity fraud 'on the increase'

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

This article was published in Money News

The number of people falling victim to fraud has risen in he last year, according to CIFAS.

In the UK, the fraud prevention service found that the number of consumers who became victims of such crimes rose by 37 per cent in the first ten months of this year, compared to the same period in 2008.

This figure means that 68,000 people were victims of impersonation - when hijackers use someone else's identity - since the start of this year.

In addition, the rate of takeover fraud, where a bank account is taken over by a third party, has increased by 18 per cent in the same length of time.

Communications manager with the anti-fraud service Richard Hurley said that while people are normally vigilant against pickpockets on the streets when Christmas shopping, it is important they protect themselves from the individuals who target their identity.

CIFAS has produced the Protective Registration which helps those who are already the victims of crime or think they are vulnerable to identity theft to protect themselves.