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News: Identity fraud 'rising during 2010' News: Identity fraud 'rising during 2010'

Identity fraud 'rising during 2010'

Tue 27 Jul 2010 - Published in Banking

Identity fraud 'rising during 2010'

New figures from UK fraud prevention service CIFAS have shown an "alarming" surge in identity fraud during the first six months of the year.

A report by the organisation revealed that the number of recorded identity fraud cases increased by 14 per cent in the first half of 2010, when compared to the same period in the year before.

In addition, the research found there was a 22 per cent jump in the number of people falling victim to impersonation crimes over the past six months, equating to more than 275 offences being carried out each day.

Richard Hurley, CIFAS communications manager, said: "In spite of our increased awareness and understanding of some of the steps we can take to help prevent falling victim to identity fraud, however, the numbers continue to rise."

Earlier this month, a study published by the Association of British Insurers showed that 122,000 fraudulent insurance claims were made over the course of 2009 - a 14 per cent increase on the previous year.