Rise of 43% in impersonation victims in 2009 first half

2009-08-05

There was a 43 per cent increase in the number of victims of impersonation over the first half of 2008 in comparison to the same period last year, research has shown.

In news that may concern those looking to prevent a data breach which could lead to identity theft or other IT intrusion issues, members of CIFAS - The UK's Fraud Prevention Service have reported that there was also a rise of nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) in the level of identity fraud during the first half of 2009.

There was also a 40 per cent rise in facility takeover frauds over the period

CIFAS chief executive Peter Hurst commented that "the human cost of facility takeovers cannot be underestimated as (like identity fraud) it attacks a victim's sense of security and undermines their confidence".

Research from CIFAS recently showed that London, including Greater London, is the central hotspot for fraudulent activity, which may include data breach incidents.

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