ID fraud is on the rise – how to stay safe
Over 214,000 cases were filed to the Cifas National Fraud Database (NFD) between January and June 2024 – an increase of 15% compared to the same period in 2023.
Cases of identity fraud, in particular, have soared – this was the most commonly reported type of fraud.
Here, we take a look at this new data and explain how to stay safe from identity theft.
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Fraud types on the increase
As well as identity fraud, reports of facility takeover – which is when your account is taken over by a fraudster – also increased.
Typically, this scam sees criminals sending phishing emails and texts – complete with malicious links – to try to take over your account.
Over 37,000 cases of facility takeover were reported to the NFD in the first half of 2024 – up by 99% compared to the same period in 2023. 36% of cases happened on online retail accounts and 40% were in the telecom sector.
Misuse of facility cases – which is when an account is misused by the genuine account holder, such as money muling – also increased. There were over 37,000 cases reported to the NFD in the first half of 2024, which is a 9% rise compared to 2023.
- Read more: 5 things I would never do as a scams expert
The importance of data sharing
Cifas receives its data from its members, which include companies across the banking, retail, insurance and telecoms sectors. It also combines data from its National Fraud Database (NFD), Insider Threat Database (ITD) and law enforcement for its reports.
Cifas stated how it’s only through greater collaboration and sharing of critical data and intelligence across all sectors – including law enforcement, the private sector and government agencies – that the UK’s fraud emergency can be tackled.
A Which? led coalition with banks and telecoms companies is calling on the government to ensure more businesses can better share intelligence to detect fraud and protect their customers.
The coalition believes that by sharing fraud indicators, businesses will have more information to help them recognise an attack before it happens, meaning customers will be better protected.
Fraud is the most common crime in the UK. Join our campaign to make fraud a national priority and stamp out scams
What is identity theft and how to avoid it
Identity theft is when personal details are stolen. This can happen in a number of ways, including when a criminal buys details from the dark web following a data breach, or by going through your post to find your documents.
Identity fraud is when these stolen details are used to obtain goods or services in your name, such as opening a bank account or taking out a phone contract.
Top tips to avoid identity theft
- Never reveal account, personal or payment information in unsolicited calls, emails or texts.
- Create strong passwords for use online, don’t use the same one for every website you log in to and use a password manager.
- Consider using antivirus software to protect your devices.
- Don’t leave things like bills lying around for others to see, and shred documents with your name, address or financial details.
- Tell your bank or card company if you’re expecting a bank or credit card statement and it doesn’t arrive.
- Ask Royal Mail to redirect your post for at least a year if you move home.
- Don’t accept invitations from people you don’t know on social media sites.
- Avoid downloading dodgy apps by checking reviews.
- Make sure that your social media profiles are private and don’t post any pictures showing sensitive information, such as your car number plate or home address.
- Never use public wi-fi networks to access sensitive apps or sites, such as mobile banking.
- Check your credit file to see if any new accounts have been opened in your name that you don't recognise.
If you become a victim of ID fraud, contact your bank, credit card company and the local police on the non-emergency phone number, 101, as soon as possible. You can also report the incident to Action Fraud.
