Click2Check responds to Cifas' six month Fraudscape report update

06 August 2026

David Jones, CEO of Click2Check, said:

“The latest Cifas fraud figures highlight a worrying trend for the property market, with mortgage fraud increasing across every category. Identity fraud linked to mortgage applications has increased by 36% and false mortgage applications are also continuing to climb. Perhaps the most concerning is the sharp increase in account take over cases reported by Cifas members in relation to a mortgage. These have risen from just one case in the first half of 2025 to 27 in the same period this year. While the numbers remain relatively small, the rate of growth demonstrates how quickly fraudsters are adapting their tactics.

“These figures reinforce the need for robust identity verification at every stage of the mortgage and homebuying process. Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using stolen or fake identities and compromised accounts to target lenders, intermediaries and consumers alike. Organisations can no longer rely on traditional document checks alone.

“With overall fraud cases reaching a record high for the first six months of the year and on course to surpass previous annual records, businesses need to ensure they have effective, technology-driven verification processes in place. Digital identity verification, combined with digital credit checks and screening processes, give firms the best chance of identifying fraudulent activity before it results in financial loss.

“For the property sector, preventing fraud is about more than protecting lenders – it’s about safeguarding buyers, sellers and the integrity of the entire transaction. As fraud volumes continue to rise, investing in digital verification solutions has become an essential part of delivering a secure and efficient homebuying experience.”