Identity Theft - Latest News

CIFAS figures reveal increase in identity fraud 11 May 2010

New figures from CIFAS, the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, reveal a 19.86% increase in identity fraud when compared with the same period in 2009. The number of victims of impersonation also increased by over 20% compared with the first quarter of 2009. 27,000 victims of impersonation were recorded by CIFAS Members during the first three months of 2010: an increase of just over 6,000. Further details can be found on the CIFAS website.

National Fraud Reporting Centre – Launch of Action Fraud Website 1 February 2010

Individuals or business operators who have been a victim of fraud in the last 12 months and want to report it, are encouraged to contact Action Fraud through their newly launched website www.actionfraud.org.uk . Action Fraud can be contacted on 0300 123 2040 or Textphone 0300 123 2050. An on-line reporting tool will be added soon.

Don’t Advertise Your Stuff to Thieves 28 December 2009

A new campaign reminding people not to leave their homes or belongings exposed to criminals was launched today by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell.

Launch of the UK’s first national fraud reporting centre 3 December 2009

In the fight to prevent victimisation from fraud and reduce the UK’s fraud losses – currently estimated at £14 billion each year – the National Fraud Authority (NFA) has established Action Fraud, the UK’s first national fraud reporting centre.

Identity cards now available in Greater Manchester 19 November 2009

Identity cards are now available to British citizens who live or work in the Greater Manchester area. They will provide a secure and convenient way for you to prove your identity in everyday situations and can be used to travel to over 30 European countries.

The new identity cards - is your business ready? 28 October 2009

The Identity and Passport Service is launching two new identity cards, the National Identity Card and the Identification Card. They join the Identity Card for Foreign Nationals that was launched in November 2008 by the UK Border Agency.

New standard to ensure confidential information is in safe hands 29 September 2009

Businesses are being urged to ensure that their confidential information is in safe hands by procuring the services of a professional information destruction company that complies with a new European standard – EN 15713:2009.

Young, single renters biggest target for identity criminals 10 June 2009

New research from CreditExpert, indicates that the top three groups most likely to become victims of identity fraud in the UK live in rented houses and flats in and around cities.

Identity fraud risks of stolen handbags 28 May 2009

Women can carry around enough information for a fraudster to apply for loans, mortgages, credit cards and bank accounts in their name.

Manchester citizens get first chance to apply for identity cards 6 May 2009

Residents of Greater Manchester will be the first British citizens able to apply for a voluntary identity card from late 2009, it was announced today by Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith.

National Fraud Strategy launched 19 March 2009

The National Fraud Strategic Authority (NFSA) has published the National Fraud Strategy.

The latest estimate of the cost of identity fraud to the UK economy is £1.2bn. 9 October 2008

The figure was developed by the Identity Fraud Steering Committee and key industry stakeholders and is based on a new methodology agreed by the committee.

Identity Cards for Foreign Nationals 25 September 2008

The Home Secretary launched the image of the card on 25 September 2008.

Advice for Child Benefit recipients concerned about ID theft 21 January 2008

If you are concerned about the potential HMRC data compromise, please telephone the HMRC dedicated Child Benefit Helpline on 0845 302 1444.

Home Office : IDENTITY THEFT - Don't become a victim.