Record level of identity fraud hits UK customers

Prevention service reveals it recorded 173,000 cases in 2016

Identity fraud cases have reached record levels, new figures have shown.

Almost 173,000 frauds were recorded in 2016 – with a 34% increase in the number of victims under 21 compared to the previous year.

The number of cases has more than doubled in the past eight years and has increased by almost 2% compared to 2015.

The data were compiled from the fraud prevention service Cifas’ database of 277 banks and businesses. They show that almost 25,000 people under 30 had fallen victim to identity fraud, while around 30,000 victims were aged between 51 and 60.

Most incidents of identity theft happen when a fraudster pretends to be an “innocent individual” and tries to buy or take out a loan in their victim’s name, Cifas said. Personal information – such as a victim’s name, date of birth, address, or bank details – is prized by fraudsters using a range of methods – from hacking to stealing post.

Fraudsters also exploit personal information on social media or persuade someone to reveal their details by pretending to be from their bank, the police or a retailer.

Identity fraud now accounts for more than half of all fraud recorded by the organisation.

Mike Haley, Cifas’ deputy chief executive, said: “There are three simple steps that anyone can take to protect themselves: use strong passwords, download software updates when prompted on your devices and avoid using public wi-fi for banking and online shopping.”

Commander Chris Greany, national coordinator for economic crime, said: “Things like weak passwords or not updating your software are the same as leaving a window or door unlocked.”