Cifas (formerly the Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System) is the UK’s leading not-for-profit fraud prevention membership organisation. It operates a number of databases that its nearly 800 member organisations—including banks, insurers, telecommunications companies, and public sector bodies—use to share fraud risk data and intelligence.
How Cifas Protects UK Consumers
Cifas works by creating a unified front against financial crime. It does this by:
Sharing Fraud Data: When a member organisation identifies or suspects a fraudulent activity (like an identity theft attempt or misuse of a facility), they record a fraud marker on the Cifas National Fraud Database.
Preventing Further Fraud: Other member organisations check this database when processing new applications for products (like a bank account, loan, or phone contract). If they see a fraud marker, they are prompted to carry out extra checks before approving the application or service, helping to stop the crime before it happens.
🚨 Protective Registration: A Key Consumer Service
For individuals who are at a heightened risk of identity fraud, Cifas offers a service called Protective Registration.
What it is: This service places a warning flag against your name on the National Fraud Database. It acts as an early alert to Cifas members.
When to use it: It's recommended if your personal documents have been lost or stolen, or if you have been affected by a large-scale data breach.
How it helps: The flag tells member organisations to be highly vigilant and carry out extra identity verification checks on any applications made in your name. This is crucial for stopping fraudsters from opening accounts or taking out credit using your details.
Note: Protective Registration may mean that genuine applications you make take slightly longer to process while the extra checks are completed.
💷 How to Apply and Cost Involved
| Feature | Details |
| Eligibility | Individuals who believe their personal details are at a heightened risk of being misused for identity fraud. |
| Cost | £30 for a two-year registration. |
| Application | You must apply directly via the Cifas website using their online application form. They do not accept applications over the phone. |
| Duration | The registration lasts for 24 months (two years). You must reapply if you wish to renew it. |
🔗 Useful Links
Cifas Protective Registration (Application & Details):
cifas.org.uk/pr What is Cifas? (Official Organisation Information):
cifas.org.uk/about-cifas/what-is-cifas
