The CIFAS National Fraud Database (NFD) is the UK’s largest fraud risk data sharing system. It is managed by CIFAS, the country’s leading fraud prevention service.
The NFD allows banks, lenders, insurers, telecom providers, and other members to share information about confirmed or suspected fraud cases. When a member organisation believes that fraudulent conduct has occurred, it can file a case into the database. This case becomes visible to all other members whenever the individual applies for a financial product or service.
Scale of the Database #
According to Fraudscape 2025:
- In 2024, over 421,000 cases were filed to the NFD, the highest number ever recorded.
- Identity fraud alone accounted for more than 249,000 cases, representing 59% of all filings.
- Facility takeovers surged by 76%, with over 74,000 cases, particularly in the telecoms and online retail sectors.
- On average, a new case was recorded in the NFD every two minutes.
Purpose of the NFD #
The NFD exists to:
- Help members prevent fraud before it happens.
- Identify repeat fraudsters who target multiple organisations.
- Save businesses and consumers from financial loss. In 2024, CIFAS members reported saving over £2.1 billion by using shared fraud intelligence.
Who Can See the Data? #
Only approved CIFAS member organisations can access the NFD. This includes:
- High street and challenger banks
- Building societies and credit providers
- Insurance firms
- Telecommunications companies
- Retailers and utility providers
- Public sector organisations
Why This Matters to You #
If a CIFAS marker has been recorded against you, it will appear in the NFD and be visible to all members whenever you apply for services. This can have far-reaching effects on your financial life.
However, NFD members must follow strict rules:
- They must only file cases with clear, relevant, and rigorous evidence.
- They must act fairly, proportionately, and in line with the CIFAS Principles.
- Markers must be accurate and updated if new information emerges.
