What are the characteristics of the typical application fraudster? Data analysis by CIFAS, the UK's Fraud Prevention Service, reveals that, of those who lie in applications for credit, financial services or insurance, two thirds are male.

Further, most are aged between 26 and 40, with only 7% over the age of 50; 64% of male application fraudsters lie to conceal a poor credit history (compared with 77% of females); 9% of men and 7% of women lie about their employment or salary; 10% use a false document to support their application.

Chief executive of CIFAS, Peter Hurst, commented “Those who think that lying on application forms will give them any advantage need to realise that their efforts are counter-productive.  Fraud data sharing means that such lies are easy to detect and, far from enhancing an applicant’s chances, will be detrimental to their application.  Telling the truth, even if it is slightly less palatable, remains the best policy.”