At its heart, Cifas maintains two core databases: the National Fraud Database and the Internal Fraud Database. These are widely regarded as among the largest fraud-risk databases in the UK. Member organisations use these databases to check individuals — for example when opening accounts, issuing credit, or onboarding new customers — against records of suspicious or fraudulent activity. This allows members to detect and deter potential fraud before it leads to financial losses.
Cifas supports both organisations and private individuals. For businesses and institutions, it offers investigative and analytical tools, access to fraud-risk data, real-time database checks, and training to help staff stay up-to-date on fraud prevention practices. These tools help organisations reduce fraud losses and strengthen compliance and risk-management processes. For individuals, Cifas provides guidance and help if they believe they may be at risk of identity fraud. For example, it offers a service called Protective Registration — designed to safeguard personal data for those who fear their identity may have been compromised.
Over decades, Cifas has established itself as a central pillar in the UK’s effort to combat economic crime. Its model — based on cross-sector collaboration, data sharing, and proactive fraud detection — has helped prevent substantial losses for its members and contributed to national efforts against identity and financial crime. Its services combine technology, secure data handling, compliance with data-protection laws, and expert investigation and advisory support.
In summary, Cifas is a trusted fraud-prevention community and infrastructure provider in the UK — offering organisations and individuals a shared intelligence network, robust detection tools, and support services aimed at reducing fraud risk, protecting identity, and enhancing overall financial security.
