Independent Banking Advisory Service 

The Internet, Identity Theft or ID Theft and Fraud

Millions of Britons who receive scam letters and e-mails are now being urged to forward them on just the once - to the National Fraud Authority.The agency has launched a new operation to track down the fraudsters behind the multi-million pound industry in scam mail, but needs public input. It wants people to forward e-mails to email@actionfraud.org.uk for analysis.

The 'money mules' of East London - Though some money mules are in cahoots with the fraudsters many are duped into taking part. Often the money comes from online banking frauds, especially phishing scams when criminals obtain a victim's bank details by sending fake emails. Most have no idea that by helping a criminal they could end up with a prison sentence. - BBC News 04.02.11

Con artists hacked into Jack Straw's email - Justice Minister Jack Straw's personal email account has been hacked into by con men. They sent out hundreds of messages claiming he was stranded in Africa and needed £2,080 to fly home. Even a Minister isn't safe from hackers and Con artists!

Fraudsters target bank accounts  - The all-party parliamentary group on identity fraud says thieves are finding it more difficult to use fake identities to open new accounts because of restrictions on credit. The group warned that fraudsters are now targeting existing accounts. One scam involves a bogus e-mail from Revenue and Customs, asking for bank account details to receive a tax rebate.

Individuals compromised and financially penalized by loss of their own identity face considerable problems with financial institutions after the event, when attempting to correct the problem itself. They also face considerable frustration and stress when attempting to obtain any assistance in doing so. 

Identity Theft and ID Frauds are growing extremely quickly because the financial rewards are considerable. ID Theft and Fraud are no longer a future threat - they are with us now and are growing. We need action now. Identity theft was made a criminal offence in the US, and offenders are prosecuted accordingly. The Identity Theft & Assumption Deterrence Act 1998 was introduced to criminalize identity theft, to ensure individuals (in addition to the financial institutions) are recognized as victims, and to allow for compensation for these victims. The Act allows up to 15 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000. The UK lag behind in this area and consumers are more at risk because of it.

Visit our 2012 national newspaper comments (plus many more over many years in the News and archives sections of our site) - show IBAS can be relied upon and has been in existence helping business bank customers with their personal guarantees and personal guarantees 'calls' and debt claim demands since 1992.

IBAS early advice on Personal Guarantees, Personal Guarantee debt claims, Bank Guarantees, Personal Bank Joint Guarantees, Personal guarantees and Indemnity, Personal Guarantees for SFLGS - prevents costly mistakes and even greater risk of losing the marital home from ill informed actions.

We note with serious concerns the meteoric rise in the numbers of web sites offering to reclaim bank penalty charges or bank overcharging penalties for bank customers on a ‘no win – no fee’ basis, with ‘back end’ success fees quoted between 10% to 50%. See Current scams on bank refunds - Also visit What is a money mule?