Identity fraud committed while using electronic payment systems or browsing the internet

Identity fraud is defined as using an individual’s personal information for financial gain without their explicit consent, for example by withdrawing or transferring money, taking out a loan or applying for official documents.

This article focuses on victims whose personal data have come into the possession of the perpetrator by:

• copying bank or credit cards in shops or at ticket machines or cash dispensers (skimming);
• copying information regarding financial transactions over the internet, for example by hacking the victim’s computer or by using a hacked, fake or unreliable website (phishing/pharming).

More traditional types of identity fraud, e.g. using lost or stolen bank or credit cards, are not taken into account in this article.