Festive fraud to cause seasonal debt problems?
Festive fraud to cause seasonal debt problems?
- Tuesday, 1 December 2009The number of people who find themselves in financial difficulty this Christmas could increase as a result of fraudulent activity.
CIFAS, the UK's fraud prevention service, has warned that this year has seen a rise in the number of people falling victim to identity theft, and advised people to remain vigilant over the holidays.
The organisation revealed that in the first ten months of the year 68,000 cases of identity fraud were recorded, representing a 37 per cent increase on the same period in 2008.
Should such increases continue into the Christmas holidays, some people could be forced to seek
debt advice as a result of the combined toll of fraud and the general expense of the period.
Richard Hurley, communications manager for CIFAS, said: "The festive season traditionally reminds us of the high street threats of thieves and pickpockets stealing our wallets.
"We must, however, protect ourselves equally from their latter-day counterparts who target our identities."
According to figures from Credit Action, total UK personal debt at the end of October stood at £1,458 billion.

Recent Debt Management Plan News
56% of Brits have no life insurance which could leave family with debt problems
Wed, 04 May 2011More than half of UK adults currently have no life insurance cover, which could mean their loved ones are left with
debt problems when they die...
Brits thinking about retirement advised to seek debt advice
Tue, 03 May 2011Consumers considering their retirement options have been advised to seek professional advice, as they may end up with
debt problems in the future...
Brits planning to attend a wedding should start saving to avoid debt problems
Thu, 28 Apr 2011Consumers concerned about getting into
credit card debt to pay to attend a wedding may want to use their savings instead...
Couples planning their big day can avoid debt problems by negotiating a cheap wedding
Wed, 27 Apr 2011Couples-to-be worried about needing
debt advice in the future after paying for a wedding can ensure they avoid accruing
debt problems by negotiating a cheap wedding...