Identity theft hits epidemic levels in UK

Identity theft has hit epidemic levels in the UK, with instances of the fraud at almost 500 a day, according to the latest figures.

The first six months of this year saw a record  89,000 cases of identity fraud, which typically involved impersonation in order to steal people's money, buy items or take out loans or car insurance in their name.

According to the fraud prevention service Cifas, which issued the data, the crimes were taking place almost exclusively online, and that the vast amount of personal data available on the internet and as a result of data breaches ''is only making it easier for the fraudster''.

Simon Dukes, the Cifas chief executive, said, ''We have seen identity fraud attempts increase year on year, now reaching epidemic levels, with identities being stolen at a rate of almost 500 a day … Criminals are relentlessly targeting consumers and businesses, and we must all be alert to the threat and do more to protect personal information.''

Identity fraud is among the fastest-growing types of cybercrime and according to experts, criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics.

They have been increasingly hacking into email accounts and then posing as a builder, solicitor or other tradesperson that the consumer has legitimately employed. A number of customers have lost considerable sums after being duped into sending money to the bank accounts of criminals.

According to Cifas' figures, nearly 500 identity frauds are reported every day with people aged between 31-40 and 41-50 the most likely groups to fall victim to impersonation scams.

Cifas' figures show that in total some 89,201 ID frauds were registered in the UK from January to June this year, and four in five of those reported happened in cyber space.

Dukes said, "Criminals are relentlessly targeting consumers and businesses and we must all be alert to the threat and do more to protect personal information."