Half of all fraud recorded by payment sector body CIFAS during the first six months of this year relate to impersonation, identity fraud and the takeover of victimsโ accounts โ marking a 10 per cent increase on last year.
The UK fraud prevention body CIFAS also found that the fraudulent misuse of an account or facility have risen to their highest levels since 2009, accounting for 24pc of all frauds reported to CIFAS in the first six months of the year.
Additionally, CIFAS found that bank and plastic card accounts remain a popular targets for fraudsters. Plastic card accounts (e.g. credit or store cards) made up 38pc of all account takeover cases during the first half of 2011.
Anti-fraud advice
Donโt throw out anything with your name, address or financial details without shredding it first.
If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call from what appears to be your bank or building society asking for your security details, never reveal your full password, login details or account numbers. Most banks will not approach their customers in this manner.
Look after your cards and card details at all times. Try not to let your card out of your sight when making a transaction.
Check your statements carefully and report anything suspicious to the financial institution concerned.
For the ‘state of the fraud nation’ visit the CIFAS website –
