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Identity fraud increases

Published on 4 Dec 2009 under category: legal

There has been in a rise in reported cases of identity fraud.

Latest figures from National Hunter, Experian's fraud prevention database, show a 12 per cent increase in these crimes since the beginning of 2009.

The study found that there were 11.91 instances of identity fraud in every 10,000 credit card, mortgage and loan applications in the first three months of the year.

This rate rose to 12.72 in the second quarter, before peaking at 13.37 in the third quarter.

Darryl Bowman of CreditExpert, Experian's fraud protection service, said the rise is "very worrying".

He added: "As we get wiser to protecting ourselves from fraud, it's clear that criminals are working even harder to steal our personal details so they can apply for credit.

"Missing post, unexpected phone calls and strange emails are signs we look out for and know suggest potentially fraudulent activity."

These figures were released as it emerged that the police has shut down more than 12,000 fraudulent e-commerce websites in a bid to protect consumers.

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