Why wasn't I told that my detailswere being recorded on the CIFAS database?

Great care is taken by CIFAS to strike the right balance between the need for confidentiality and the need to be open about how we prevent fraud. In the past, letters to consumers advising that an individual's details were recorded on the CIFAS National Fraud Database have alerted organised criminals to the fact that the police have become involved in a case. To maximise the likelihood of successful apprehension and prosecution of offenders, consumers are not told of CIFAS warnings in the majority of cases, except at the point when they provide their personal details, as the application form will include a fair processing notice advising them how their personal details may be used. However, in the event of an impersonation, the innocent party is always told by letter, where the Member is able to locate their current address and is sure that the fraudster will not be alerted.

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