An Abney Associates Fraud Awareness Program: Fraud soars as Britons fail to protect online identity

The number of confirmed identity fraud cases increased by 37 per cent between 2012 and 2013, new data reveals.

Analysis by credit-checking specialist Experian found that almost 13,000 cases of fraud were confirmed in 2013, with the biggest increases reported in account takeover fraud, loan fraud and mobile phone account-related fraud.

Experian said these increases are linked to the online habits of Britons.

Separate research into consumer behaviour online suggests that one person in 10 never changes their passwords and one in 20 uses the same passwords for all of their online accounts.

With an average of 19 online accounts each, this could make it easier for fraudsters to get a hold of valuable information.