Identity Theft Glossary
Clear, plain-English definitions for terms related to financial fraud and identity protection.
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Action Fraud
The UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. If you are a victim of identity theft, you must report it here to receive a police crime reference number, which lenders will require to investigate fraudulent accounts.
CIFAS (Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System)
The UK's leading fraud prevention service. They maintain a database of fraudulent activity shared among banks and lenders to prevent further crimes.
Dark Web
A hidden part of the internet not indexed by standard search engines, where criminals frequently buy and sell stolen personal information, including passwords, credit card numbers, and passport details.
Data Breach
A security incident where sensitive, protected, or confidential data is copied, transmitted, viewed, or stolen by an unauthorised individual. This is a common way fraudsters obtain personal information.
Identity Fraud
The use of a stolen identity in criminal activity, specifically to obtain goods or services by deception. This usually involves opening credit cards, taking out loans, or claiming benefits in the victim's name.
Identity Theft
The act of stealing another person's personal identifying information, such as their name, date of birth, address, or bank details, with the intention of committing identity fraud.
Notice of Correction (Password)
A specific type of Notice of Correction you can add to your credit report requesting that lenders ask for a predetermined password before approving any new credit applications in your name.
Phishing
A cybercrime technique where criminals send fraudulent emails or text messages pretending to be from a reputable organisation (like a bank or HMRC) to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information.
Protective Registration
A service offered by CIFAS for individuals who have been victims of fraud or are at high risk. It places a flag on your credit file, requiring lenders to conduct extra security checks before approving credit in your name.
Smishing
A form of phishing that uses SMS text messages instead of emails to deceive victims into downloading malware, sharing passwords, or sending money.
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