Fraud
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www.cifas.org.uk - Fraud Prevention Service - Home Office

There are a few organisations that deal with fraud, perhaps too many, just so they can create a ploy of deflecting blame for any malpractices since the fraud rate has climbed quite considerably; though the main one to take seriously is called CIFAS. In 2007 the emergence of a 'Serious Crime Act 2007' was introduced to get blue chip credit card companies and many other finance bodies to collaborate in producing accurate fraud trends that the UK public would be able to learn from and beware of. The 'Fraud Prevention Service' named CIFAS has evolved from the information provided from its 260 members; all joining in unison in the fight against 'fraudulent activity.' Because of the information provided from its members, CIFAS is a weather-map for informative fraud resources from finance sectors and others for the public.

By viewing CIFAS fraud weather-map, you can gauge where your most likely to get hit with fraudulent activity, partly due to the fact there are quite a few means in which a fraudster can collect and maintain information from you, especially from the world, wide, web. CIFAS has regular updates to enable your online activity as safe as it can be; it isn't claiming that you won't be 100% secure because that is impossible but the 'fraud trends' certainly can make you aware of what you should be looking out for and how much online security you can publish without getting caught in the 'victim net.' - CIFAS was the main organisation that gave the 'Chip and Pin' statistics back to the Home Office that showed an increase of identity thefts based on that form of technology, all provided by the retail sector who bought into the 'Chip and Pin' identity codes around five years ago. This type of identity theft has been on the rise consistently since its introduction; the fact that mobile technology has increased in gigabyte storage hasn't helped the fraudulent figures. Anyone can secretly film the 'Chip and Pin' transaction without detection from CCTV or any other retail surveillance. Detection is not at all obvious as the fraudster often is gazing elsewhere looking like an average shopper. Not enough to prosecute. The signature methodology is surprisingly more effective against new technology fraud, especially mobile technology, so we may see the retail market opt for the signature reader technology instead. 'Watch this space,' or shall I say 'Write in this space.'

Sadly the worse place to seek help for online fraud is the police; even though their department does cater for internet crime the fraud team is non existent, when it comes to getting the details and then processing the case and getting to the correct end result. The police have a difficult job even clarifying normal internet protocol access, which you need when deciphering where the fraudulent network base is, even worse if the internet service provider is under a 'free server' such as 'MSN's Hotmail account, Google GMail account.' There was a huge fiasco two months ago regarding the free server Gmail in Asia, whereby identity thefts were allegedly untraceable. Personally, the police online fraud squad require a complete revamp and given new online laws to overpower the free servers businesses, just like the HM Inland Revenue and Customs has when investigating personal bank accounts of potential tax evaders, or any other fraud; though even other fraud the police has a nonchalant defeatist view of it, as actual credible evidence is difficult to stick in the court of law. And this is after the Home Office is adamant it wants to cut fraud. I suppose, by adding yet another fraud organisation stroke website, it is seen to be active in the fight against fraudulent activity, regardless of actual success. The CIFAS statistics is showing a formidable rise of between 25% - 38% annually for internet fraud; as this is a non profitable organisation without any credible allegiance with any political bodies, the statistics are transparent. The figures are astoundingly high as this data is coming from the horses mouth, that being 260 members.

CIFAS works as a membership network when confronted with a fraudster, the member sets off an alert to other members so that retailers, finance, manufacturing businesses are aware of the trend and style of the fraud. Prevention rather than cure, CIFAS members use a ring fence methodology similar to how a sheep dog would round-up sheep. The more members that know of the activity the more likely the scheme will become banal. When the online activity of fraud is located, the apparent threat halves but the main problem lies with the fact online IP addresses can changes at a whim via a simple software program, this makes online fraud activity the main area of interest for fraudsters. Easy access to the internet allows organised networks to profiteer at short intervals, under the window of opportunity; before locations are found by governmental establishments. These reports are posted on the CIFAS website on the 'homepage;' notably called 'fraud landscapes.' These trends are stats are configured to give a clear view of how well the CIFAS are combating fraud. On average the overall fraud rate is 10% increase annually; with online activity tripling recently, hence, because of the recession and downturn that the UK has endured. Now that the 0.3% economic growth has in fact taken out the downward trend, it will take a lot longer to filter out through to the high street.

CIFAS, has witnessed a link to fraud and to the recession. Not surprising considering out of the three years of collecting data, the UK has been in a credit crunch and downturn for eighteen months. In 2007, different types of online robot software saw a differing trend which wasn't linked to the economy, but to technology itself; as the trend has grown so has the deepening credit crunch. At present it is too early to claim whether there is a parallel lined link to the credit crunch; because CIFAS is in it's infancy as a weather-map platform. The facts will be more evident in the next five years. The landscape has compiled a photo-fit styled profile that has been hit the most for fraudulent activity. He is a 'male' not surprising there, in his forties, now that's spooky. And wears white socks and drives a BMW. (Apologies, the last bits were added for read-worthy material) - The only analogy that I can consider is that usually the affluent male let down their guard when it comes to online fraud, well, it is noted in CIFAS profile anyway. This brings me nicely onto the CEO of Barclays, who has been hit by fraudsters more times than I can mention. It doesn't matter, he can afford it; the main concern is the eBanking facilities within his bank.

There is a slight patronising slant to CIFAS published dialogue, they published a profile of who 'is' a fraudster? - No, it isn't that big furry wolf, dressed as a grandma, or that bulbous Italian who walks around with a pickaxe over his shoulder. It could be that well dressed salesman who smells of Armani Code, with that quiet Hertfordshire tone. - CIFAS maybe excellent at depicting credible facts and stats concerning the fraudulent weather-map but loses its credentials when attempting to profile the 'fraudster appearance and approach'. In parts the CIFAS reminds me of a governmental piece of 1950's propaganda that stereotyped social groups unfairly. The material is laughable; then again this is what we expect. At least the statistics pose a sobering dose of reality compared to the statistics that 'fly out as pigs' from the corridors of power.

Thanks for reading