How doesCIFAS protect people?

CIFAS enables its Members to exchange details of applications for products, services or employment, which they have investigated and identified to be fraudulent.  Members also share information about innocent victims of fraud to prevent their details being used again by the fraudster.

A CIFAS warning against an innocent victim alerts other CIFAS Members to the need to carry out further checks on any application they receive. This may include seeking confirmation of identity to confirm that they are not dealing with the fraudster. Identifying and preventing fraud at this early stage helps potential victims avoid the distress and inconvenience of accounts or facilities being opened in their name, and the possible debt collection activity or damage to credit ratings that could follow.

CIFAS goes to great lengths to help protect the innocent victims of fraud. CIFAS Members are obliged, wherever possible, to notify the innocent victim of the fraud that has been carried out or attempted in their name, and to explain how the CIFAS warning will help prevent further impersonation activity.

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