Cybercrime & Fraud Trends 2024

Latest threats across key life areas

High AlertUpdated WeeklyReal-time Monitoring

Benefits Fraud & Identity Theft

CRITICAL+340% since 2020

Criminals are exploiting government benefit systems through identity theft, fake applications, and account takeovers. The shift to online services during COVID-19 created new vulnerabilities.

Common Scam Types

Universal Credit application fraud using stolen identities

PIP (Personal Independence Payment) assessment scams

Fake HMRC tax credit notifications

Pension liberation fraud targeting retirement funds

Child benefit account takeovers

Housing benefit overpayment scams

Disability benefit assessment phishing

State pension deferral fraud

Prevention & Protection

Never share your National Insurance number via email or phone

Use official government websites (.gov.uk) only

Set up text alerts for benefit account changes

Regularly check your credit report for fraudulent applications

Report suspicious benefit-related communications immediately

Use strong passwords and 2FA on government service accounts

Real-World Examples

£8.4 billion lost to benefit fraud in 2022-23 according to DWP

Criminals using stolen identities to claim Universal Credit during pandemic

Fake PIP assessment letters requesting bank details

Pension scams promising 'guaranteed' high returns

🎯 Primary Targets

Elderly individuals (65+)People with disabilitiesLow-income familiesRecent immigrantsUnemployed individualsSingle parents

📞 Report Fraud

DWP Fraud Hotline: 0800 854 440

HMRC Fraud Hotline: 0800 788 887

Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040

Citizens Advice Bureau

Local council fraud teams

📊 Quick Stats

Severity LevelCRITICAL

Growth Rate+340% since 2020

Common Scams8

Target Groups6

🚨 If You're Targeted

1. Don't panic or make immediate payments

2. Document all communications

3. Contact official agencies directly

4. Report to Action Fraud immediately

5. Inform your bank if money is involved