Identity theft continues to rise at “epidemic levels”, as a record 89,000 identity frauds were recorded in the UK in the first six months of 2017 – up five per cent from the same period in 2016.

According to UK fraud prevention service Cifas, ID theft accounts for more than half of all fraud it records. And 83 per cent of this ID theft is perpetuated online.

“We have seen identity fraud attempts increase year on year, now reaching epidemic levels, with identities being stolen at a rate of almost 500 a day,” said Simon Dukes, chief executive at Cifas.

“These frauds are taking place almost exclusively online. The vast amounts of personal data that is available either online or through data breaches is only making it easier for the fraudster.”

Cifas’ latest findings show a sharp rise in ID fraudsters applying for loans, online retail, telecoms and insurance products, while the number of fraud attempts against bank accounts and plastic cards has fallen, yet still represents more than half of all identify fraud cases. Furthermore, people in their 30s were found to be the group most targeted.

“Identify fraud continues to be a significant issue in law enforcement and the new figures which Cifas has released today come as no surprise,” said detective superintendent Glenn Maleary, head of the City of London police’s economic crime directorate. “The more our lives move online the easier it becomes for fraudsters to steal our identity. It has become normal for people to publish personal details about themselves on social media and on other online platforms which makes it easier than ever for a fraudster to steal someone’s identity. 

“The figures show that both businesses and consumers are targeted and it is therefore important that people commit to protecting themselves in all aspects of their lives. Be careful who you give your information to, always consider whether it is necessary to part with those details. Cyber security is becoming increasingly important and we urge everyone both at home and at work to ensure that they have the right security settings on all of their devices.”