Data-sharing will help stop fraud, says Cifas

News Article - 31 October 2007
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Changes to the serious crime bill are to enable public authorities to share data with anti-fraud organisations.

The UK's fraud prevention service Cifas has welcomed the new legislation, saying it will help the country save millions of pounds annually.

By sharing data the private sector already saves nearly £1 billion a year, claims the organisation. Extending the power to involve the public sector can only increase the amount saved, it says.

Cifas chief executive Peter Hurst said: "This is very good news for all those in fraud prevention and equally bad news for fraudsters."

Fraudsters who steal from the private sector also target the public sector, he explained. By organisations sharing information, fraudsters are more likely to be stopped.

According to Home Office figures, identity fraud is increasing. It claims more than 100,000 people are affected annually by the crime costing the country £1.3 billion every year.

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