Identity fraud

Identity Fraud involves the unauthorised use of someone else’s personal information, such as their name, National Insurance number, credit/debit card details, or other identifying information, to commit fraud or other crimes. This can include opening new credit accounts, making purchases or even committing crimes in the victim’s name.  

Listed below are a number of different ways Identity Fraud can take place: 

• Account Takeover – criminals use stolen personal information to hijack bank accounts, credit cards, or email accounts. They change the account details to lock out the rightful owner and make unauthorised transactions, 
• Credit Card Fraud – fraudsters use stolen credit card information to make unauthorised purchases or withdraw funds. This can happen through data breaches, phishing, or skimming devices, 
• Tax Identity Theft – scammers use stolen National Insurance numbers to steal your identity, illegally claim Government-funded benefits, or take out loans all in your name, 
• Medical Identity Theft – thieves use someone else’s personal information to receive medical care, prescription drugs, or submit false insurance claims. This can lead to incorrect medical records and financial loss for the victim, 
• Synthetic Identity Theft – fraudsters create a new identity by combining real and fake information, such as a real National Insurance number, but insert a fake name. This new, synthetic, identity, can then be use to open accounts for various things and commit fraud.