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Identity fraud crime on the rise

Published on 26 Feb 2010 under category: legal

Identity fraud crime rose last year, with scammers targeting those close to home, according to a new report.

CIFAS, the UK's fraud prevention service, highlighted in its Fraudscape 2009 report that fraudsters were becoming increasingly sophisticated in using personal details of victims.

In some instances, those victims have been targeted by friends and family members who think the former will not be held responsible.

Seventy-five per cent of identity fraud took place online.

Overall, there was almost a ten per cent increase in fraud last year on 2008 levels.

Some kinds of fraud fell in popularity with criminals, such as mortgage fraud.

Peter Hurst, the chief executive of CIFAS, said: "The findings presented in Fraudscape, however, clearly demonstrate the benefits that mutual collaboration brings.

"By sharing knowledge and pooling resources, CIFAS Members have prevented millions of pounds of fraud year after year and also increased the knowledge of the methods used to defraud businesses, consumers and society equally."

If you require advice on Corporate Fraud please call us on +44 (0)20 7831 0101 and ask for Dan Hyde.