Describing Identity Fraud: Towards a Common Definition

Abstract

Incidents of identity fraud are increasing in scope and variety and can be regarded as a global problem. Understanding the problem properly demands a general description of identity fraud. An extensive review of the literature shows that there is no such general description, although it would contribute to the development of a structural and cooperative approach among relevant stakeholders (states, IGOs, private enterprises, NGOs) in Europe and elsewhere to combat identity fraud. This article reports on a research project that has been carried out by Dutch authors. It consisted of an analysis of literature in the Netherlands, the USA, the UK, France, Belgium and the European Union. Some 30 definitions were analysed with an aim to formulate a general definition of identity fraud. Formulating such a definition enabled a subsequent analysis into the extent to which identity fraud is covered by existing legislative measures and the necessity or desirability of introducing new legislative measures.