Levels of identity fraud increase yet again as new scams are revealed

Posted in 'Identity Theft' by Barry Stamp

20 August 2010

The latest figures released by CIFAS – the UK’s fraud prevention service – showed that the number of cases of identity fraud increased 14% in the first 6 months of this year compared to the same period in 2009.

Perhaps an even more worrying statistic shows that over 50,000 people fell victim to fraudsters – a 22% year-on-year increase.

Despite public awareness of the threat posed by identity fraud continuing to grow – and even making it to mainstream television in the form of the ITV drama series “Identity”, it seems that criminals have responded by doubling their efforts.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that an estimated 100,000 personal computers were infected with the “Zeus 2 botnet”, which as well as stealing online banking details and card numbers, was able to intercept login details for email and social networking accounts – where further information could be gleaned for use in further identity fraud attacks.

A new version –“Zeus 3” has already been discovered, and is believed to have stolen around £675,000 from 3000 computers in the UK.

Although attacks using computer ‘Trojans’ such as these mean that details are stolen without the victim's knowledge, other scams rely on unwitting people being duped into revealing personal information voluntarily.

‘Phishing’ is also getting much more sophisticated and clever. Last week we were alerted to one purporting to come from HM Revenue and Customs, offering a tax refund. Despite looking genuine enough, it is of course, completely bogus. An attached form asks not just for your full credit/debit card details, but also the PIN, your email address and the password.

Unfortunately, although it is incongruous as to why you would be asked for your credit card details when a refund is due, some people will inevitably be taken in, and will face a very real threat to both their money and identity.

Where your identity is concerned, the old adage that prevention is better than cure runs true.

You can find out completely for free whether you might be at risk from identity theft, which areas of your lifestyle might be to blame, and what you can do to better protect yourself by using the Identity Theft Check Service on checkmyfile.

For complete peace of mind, you can also purchase our industry acclaimed handbook Identity Theft: Prevention and Victim Assistance at half price for just £4.99, including post and packing here. It includes all the information you need to stay safe from fraudsters, as well as a complete guide – including template letters – to what you need to do should you be unlucky enough to fall victim.

Order an identity theft handbook at half price now