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Is the UK ‘normalising’ first party fraud? 

First party fraud has long been a problem throughout the UK – and it continues to rise. According to the latest data commissioned by Cifas, nearly half (48%) of adults surveyed believe it is ‘reasonable’ to commit first party fraud. 

And 1 in 10 (10%) admit to having committed first party fraud, or knowing someone who has, in the last 12 months. 

Discover what the most ‘common’ types of first party fraud are, what people feel is the most ‘reasonable’ fraudulent acts to commit and which scenarios people see as being legal. 

Fraud Behaviours Survey 2024

 

Our popular research series is back! Exploring the attitudes of everyday people in relation to fraud, we delve into how people behave when it comes to first party fraud and if it truly has been ‘normalised’. Do respondents think reclaiming money for a lost bet is ‘reasonable’? Or that it’s legal to sell a car on finance privately and continue to make repayments? How about those who have exaggerated their CV qualifications to land their dream job? We reveal all in our latest survey…

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Headline stories

Nearly half of UK adults feel first party fraud is acceptable

The latest research from Cifas shows that nearly half (48%) of adults believe it is ‘reasonable’ to commit first party fraud. Discover the ‘most common’ types of first party fraud.

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"First party fraud is too often seen as a victimless crime. But the truth is very different. It is a growing threat and causes significant harm to individuals, businesses, and communities, and can result in severe repercussions for perpetrators. "

Mike Haley, CEO, Cifas

 

For press and media queries, contact: press@cifas.org.uk

Key Results from the Fraud Behaviours Survey 2023

 

Headline release: 1 in 8 adults admit to commiting fraud in the last 12 months

A survey carried out by Cifas, the UK's leading fraud prevention service, has revealed that 1 in 8 (12%) UK adults have committed one or more first party frauds in the last 12 months. 

As covered in The Observer >


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1 in 6 UK adults have exaggerated earnings to secure a mortgage

Research carried out by Cifas has revealed that 1 in 6 (16%) UK adults have admitted that they, or someone they know, have misled mortgage companies about their annual salary in order to purchase their dream home.


Read the press release >

Single Person Discount fraud increases as 1 in 5 admit to dishonest claims

According to recent research carried out by Cifas, 1 in 5 (21%) individuals revealed they, or someone they knew, had fraudulently claimed the discount in the last 12 months – an increase from 19% in 2022.

 Read the press release >