Each year since 2009 there have been over 100,000 victims of identity crime recorded by organisations that use the services of the fraud prevention trade body CIFAS. Some people are particularly vulnerable however, and not just when they might lose documentation or be affected by a data breach, but everyday, the body says. People who require the support and care of local authorities in view of their mental capacity or health need protecting from fraud.
For several years, CIFAS has offered a service called Protective Registration. This helps those who face an increased risk of falling victim to identity fraud (for example, through the theft of documents or loss of an item containing personal data) by alerting organisations receiving applications in that person’s name of the need to carry out additional verification checks.
CIFAS is now working with local authorities to provide a Protective Registration to safeguard those individuals under a council’s care who are subject to a court order of protection under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Under this system, when requests for credit or other services are made in those people’s name to a CIFAS member organisation, an alert is issued so that the provider will be aware of the disabilities of the individual and take action.
The trade body says that its service has already helped to show how unscrupulous identity criminals can be in trying to exploit those who are vulnerable. As Angela Small – Appointee & Court Deputy Officer, Birmingham City Council – says: “Within two months of registering with CIFAS, credit search alerts revealed two disturbing cases of attempted fraud both online and in person. We were then able to take immediate action to protect two vulnerable people from further exploitation. The CIFAS protective register has proved to be highly effective. I would recommend this service to all local authorities.”
CIFAS is also working with the Association of Public Authority Deputies (APAD). The chair of APAD, Judy Parker says: “Working with organisations such as CIFAS gives those of us working in this field another tool to use in our efforts to keep vulnerable adults safe whilst also reducing opportunities for criminals to commit offences which cost the UK millions of pounds a year. APAD members look forward to a successful working relationship with CIFAS.”
Protective Registration for the Vulnerable is available as a free service to local authorities, and is part of CIFAS’ Corporate and Social Responsibility. Simon Dukes, CIFAS Chief Executive says: “Anyone can fall victim to a fraudster: from the richest to the poorest, from the most tech-savvy and worldly wise, to those less able to spot the danger signs. As the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, it is our responsibility to protect not only those organisations and individuals who seek our help, but also to look at ways in which we can reach the most vulnerable members of society and ensure that they too have access to our services. By working in partnership with local authorities, we are demonstrating our commitment to providing the same safety net to those who most need it, and who can least afford it.”
