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08/10/2008
ID Thieves Target Bank Accounts
Identity thieves are targeting existing bank and credit card accounts as the credit crunch has made it more difficult to use fake identities due to enforced restrictions.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Identity Fraud said tighter lending regulations have deterred fraudsters from trying to use fake details to create a bank account or take out a loan.
The group also warned that thieves are instead targeting existing accounts.
"There is no longer a guarantee that they will get credit by applying assuming another person's identity, so they are instead tapping into accounts which already exist," the report said.
MPs also warned the 2012 Olympics will present a "golden" opportunity for ID fraud, and have urged the government to give the information commissioner powers to take action to prevent the threat.
Identity thieves often try to steal personal details by sending random emails that claim to come from a legitimate source, and ask the reader to confirm account information. The information is then used in so-called "phishing" attacks to take money from the person's account.
Fraudsters are also behind a rise in card cloning - where credit or debit card details are copied on a bogus card.
The report said people earning more than £50,000 per year are more likely to be targeted.
The Home Office estimates ID fraud cost the UK economy £1.7bn in 2006.
A Home Office spokesman said: "The government is committed to tackling the harm caused by identity fraud, which causes distress ad harm to individuals and their families when identities are stolen by criminals to facilitate fraud."
(JM)
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Identity Fraud said tighter lending regulations have deterred fraudsters from trying to use fake details to create a bank account or take out a loan.
The group also warned that thieves are instead targeting existing accounts.
"There is no longer a guarantee that they will get credit by applying assuming another person's identity, so they are instead tapping into accounts which already exist," the report said.
MPs also warned the 2012 Olympics will present a "golden" opportunity for ID fraud, and have urged the government to give the information commissioner powers to take action to prevent the threat.
Identity thieves often try to steal personal details by sending random emails that claim to come from a legitimate source, and ask the reader to confirm account information. The information is then used in so-called "phishing" attacks to take money from the person's account.
Fraudsters are also behind a rise in card cloning - where credit or debit card details are copied on a bogus card.
The report said people earning more than £50,000 per year are more likely to be targeted.
The Home Office estimates ID fraud cost the UK economy £1.7bn in 2006.
A Home Office spokesman said: "The government is committed to tackling the harm caused by identity fraud, which causes distress ad harm to individuals and their families when identities are stolen by criminals to facilitate fraud."
(JM)
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20 October 2010
Arrest In Premier League Ticket Probe
Metropolitan Police Service officers, investigating the misuse of Premier League membership cards, have arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of fraud by false representation, ticket touting and money laundering.
Arrest In Premier League Ticket Probe
Metropolitan Police Service officers, investigating the misuse of Premier League membership cards, have arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of fraud by false representation, ticket touting and money laundering.
18 October 2010
Identity Fraud Campaign Launched
In support of National Identity Fraud Prevention Week (NIFPW), officers from the Met’s Operation Sterling have launched a week’s worth of activity, to offer advice to businesses and residents about how best to protect their identities.
Identity Fraud Campaign Launched
In support of National Identity Fraud Prevention Week (NIFPW), officers from the Met’s Operation Sterling have launched a week’s worth of activity, to offer advice to businesses and residents about how best to protect their identities.
07 September 2005
Government launches ID fraud leaflet
The Home Office have launched a leaflet, advising the British public how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Identity theft – when someone’s personal information is used by another person to in order to fraudulently obtain benefits or services – is becoming more common.
Government launches ID fraud leaflet
The Home Office have launched a leaflet, advising the British public how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Identity theft – when someone’s personal information is used by another person to in order to fraudulently obtain benefits or services – is becoming more common.
03 March 2005
Identity fraud rising in the UK
A quarter of British adults have had their identity stolen or know someone who has been a victim of identity fraud, a survey by consumer watchdog Which? has revealed. As part of the survey a Which? researcher conducted an experiment to prove how simple it was to 'steal' another person's identity.
Identity fraud rising in the UK
A quarter of British adults have had their identity stolen or know someone who has been a victim of identity fraud, a survey by consumer watchdog Which? has revealed. As part of the survey a Which? researcher conducted an experiment to prove how simple it was to 'steal' another person's identity.
07 March 2012
11 Year Low For Card Fraud
Money lost due to credit and debit card fraud has reached an 11-year low, falling to £341m last year, a drop of 7%. The drop has been attributed to a 41% fall in fraudsters impersonating people to obtain or use credit cards and a 24% drop in fraud committed by cloned credit cards.
11 Year Low For Card Fraud
Money lost due to credit and debit card fraud has reached an 11-year low, falling to £341m last year, a drop of 7%. The drop has been attributed to a 41% fall in fraudsters impersonating people to obtain or use credit cards and a 24% drop in fraud committed by cloned credit cards.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
