A man who lost £6,000 in an identity theft scam has spoken out about the lack of action being taken. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, says that he reported the crime to Action Fraud. Supplying them with the details of the person who allegedly committed the crime. However, he was told that the police would not be pursuing the case.
Identity Theft and Its Effects
Identity theft is a serious offence that can have long-lasting effects on its victims. In this case the fraudster was able to change the address on his bank account, order a replacement debit card and new PIN. He then used the account to make thousands of pounds of purchases over the course of two years. Even though the victim was able to provide the name and address of the fraudster, the police were unable to pursue the case. This was due to current Home Office guidelines that no longer consider identity theft a “police recordable crime.”
The effects of identity theft can cause unrepairable damage to a victim’s credit file. Which can impact their ability to access credit in the future, such as loans, mortgages, and credit cards. This can also affect their ability to extend or increase overdraft limits and improve borrowing rates.
Reporting Fraud in the UK
If you have been a victim of fraud in the UK, it is important to report the crime as soon as possible. You can do so by contacting Action Fraud, who will then provide you with a police crime reference number. While it may not always be possible for the police to take action against the fraudster, reporting the crime is essential for gathering intelligence and raising awareness about fraud.
The lack of action taken against fraudsters in the UK is a growing concern. Victims of identity theft and other types of fraud are calling for increased fraud awareness and preventative measures. By taking steps to limit our exposure to fraud and reporting any incidents as soon as possible, we can better protect ourselves from the damaging effects of these crimes.
