Fraud against deceased could be reduced

Fraud against people that have recently passed away is set to be reduced with the introduction of a new scheme that will make it easier for agencies and firms to identify when someone has recently died, enabling them to update their records more quickly and reduce the chances of fraudulent activity.

In the past fraudsters have committed this type of fraud by checking the obituaries to see who has recently died, and then finding out as much as possible about the person.

They then use the information to contact places such banks in writing or by phone to commit fraud by pretending to be the decedent because the bank or firm has not realised that the person has died.

The new scheme will enable member firms and agencies, including credit reference agencies, law enforcement agencies, etc., to obtain a weekly list of people that have died, which will be in electronic format and delivered by secure courier.

The scheme is being run by the Registrars General for England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Thorough vetting will be carried out before applicants will be accepted for membership. Also there will be an application fee of £5000 and annual subscription fees of £57,000.