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CIFAS chief executive Peter Hurst said that the research showed very clearly that all organisations need to be vigilant when looking at applications. 

He warned that the increased use of false documents means that front-line staff must be trained to spot them.

“This training should not be confined to identity documents like passports, where guidance in how to spot fraudulent ones is readily available.  It should also concentrate on other documents such as utility bills and bank statements,” he explained.

CIFAS head of communications Kate Beddington-Brown added that the research also revealed some deep seated socio-economic problems. 

She said that it was clear that people are getting into financial difficulties and turning to fraud earlier, with the increasing number of people lying to hide a poor credit history and the fact that the age of application fraudsters is decreasing year on year.

Hurst said that those who think that lying on application forms will give them any advantage needed to realise that their efforts were counter-productive. 

“Fraud data sharing means that such lies are easy to detect and, far from enhancing an applicant's chances, will be detrimental to their application. Telling the truth, even if it is slightly less palatable, remains the best policy,” he added.

“With the Government making it possible for details of frauds against public services to be shared later this year, this will become equally true irrespective of whether the individual is dealing with a public or a private sector organisation,” Hurst concluded.

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Related links 

• CIFAS