What proof do Members of CIFASneed to file details on CIFAS?

First, CIFAS information is provided only as a warning. The warning shows the name used on the account, product, facility, insurance policy or employment but this does not mean the person named is accused of fraud, as fraudsters tend to use a variety of names, some false and some genuine. The CIFAS Member has to take extra precautions to ensure their applicant or customer is genuine. They will usually investigate the applicant or customer and if necessary seek additional proofs of identity.

Before the CIFAS Member is able to place a CIFAS warning on the CIFAS database, they must have sufficient evidence to justify reporting the matter to the police, although they are not obliged to make a report in every case. This is because many police forces are over-burdened with reports of crime and are only able to tackle the most serious offences.

Typically, Members of CIFAS will have found material falsehoods in the personal information supplied on an application/proposal/claim or in the case of an account/policy/service, will be able to demonstrate that the behaviour of the customer amounts to fraud. A criminal offence must have been committed in all cases.

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