TransUnion: Synthetic Identity Fraud Growing to Record Levels

Sheryl_Wharff

As origination volumes for some credit products slow, a new TransUnion analysis finds fraud risk is continuing its upward trajectory as fraudsters employ increasingly sophisticated tactics to target lenders.

TransUnion found that synthetic identity fraud continues to be among the most prevalent, especially in the auto finance industry, with both incidences and lender exposure associated with such fraud reaching all-time highs.

Synthetic fraud is the use of personally identifiable information (PII) to fabricate a person or entity in order to commit a dishonest act for personal or financial gain. Based on proprietary insights from TransUnion’s global intelligence network, the analysis demonstrates that while lender exposure to synthetic identity fraud remained relatively flat or even declined among some industries, the auto finance industry was a clear exception.

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TransUnion: Synthetic Identity Fraud Growing to Record Levels

Ross Aubry, Head of EMEA Fraud weights in …

“As an example of Fraud rising, there is much frustration for retail banks as they are trying hard to stop fraud getting through. As they try to keep pace, the fraudsters are getting smarter, so they must act fast with advanced technology to stop the fraudster before fraud happens.

PhilS

Whilst fraudsters do use "personally identifiable information (PII)" in the construction of synthetic identities, the level of sophistication extends beyond real data into the realms of fake data. It is as much the case, if not more so, that synthetic id's are a carefully crafted combination of both real and fake data. When combined with well-thought-out plans that are executed with patience, spotting synthetic identity fraud is quite a challenge for all sectors. Although synthetic identity fraud may appear to be relatively flat, I would think that is because not enough of it is being identified!  It's also a concern that needs focus in the here and now as it's only likely to increase!