“Fraud acceptance hits tipping point” suggests Cifas research

The organisation’s latest Fraud Behaviours Survey also shows that one in every three adults admit they’ve committed first-party fraud. This is when someone knowingly misrepresents their identity or provides false information for financial or material gain. That result is unchanged since the first Fraud Behaviours Survey ran back in 2021.

Meanwhile, exactly 33% of those adults aged between 25 and 34 say they’ve been involved in first‑party fraud, making them the most likely age group to commit – or otherwise be connected to – fraudulent behaviour.

Types of fraud

What’s more, the Cifas research also reveals the types of first‑party fraud most committed or known about. Retail non‑delivery fraud (ie falsely claiming an item never arrived) is the most prevalent, with 18% of survey respondents suggesting that they (or someone they know) have done this. That’s followed by Single Person Discount (ie Council Tax) fraud, with one-in-six (16%) admitting involvement, and 15% owning up to mobile phone insurance fraud.

Geographically, the survey findings show that first‑party fraud is most common in London, with 26% of residents saying they have committed this form of crime, followed by the West Midlands (24%) and the East of England (23%), duly underlining that this issue isn’t confined to one region, but is widespread.

The survey also highlights growing confusion over what constitutes illegal behaviour, particularly so around activities such as money muling, retail non‑delivery fraud and falsifying information on mortgage applications. This further reinforces the risk that fraud can be dismissed as low impact crime.

Dangerous misconception

Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, commented: “There’s a growing and dangerous misconception that first‑party fraud is a victimless crime. Our research shows how easily everyday behaviours are being justified, despite the very real harm they cause, not to mention the consequences people can face if they have committed them.”

Hayley concluded: “Education, clear consequences and cross‑sector collaboration are critical if we are to challenge these attitudes and prevent fraud from becoming increasingly normalised.”

*Download copies of the Cifas Fraud Behaviours Survey 2025