Honest Joes driven to crime as UK fraud levels explode

CIFAS figures show worrying rise in account misuse as all types of fraud grow in Q1

The level of UK fraud surged in 2012's opening quarter, including a worrying increase in offences perpetrated by previously scrupulous individuals and businesses.

According to figures from fraud prevention body CIFAS, instances of fraud during Q1 spiked 30 per cent year on year, with identity fraud up 40 per cent and account takeovers spiralling 86 per cent. The misuse of accounts by genuine account holders grew 13 per cent, making this the second most common kind of fraud.

Across the whole of 2011, personal data misuse, including acts such as identity fraud, impersonation and account takeovers, constituted just over half of all UK fraud. During Q1 2012, this figure had grown to almost two thirds.

CIFAS claims the rise in account misuse fraud can be attributed in part to law-abiding citizens committing crimes as the result of financial woes.

"Whether the motivation is criminal or simply desperation, these figures demonstrate a dangerous situation," said CIFAS communications manager Richard Hurley. "Individuals must be aware that fraudulently misusing an account can have serious consequences, including the withdrawal of services. These figures also indicate that organisations need to do more to educate their customers, and help prevent them from getting into such situations."