Identity Fraud Offence Solicitors

Our Identity Fraud Offence Solicitors provide expert legal advice and representation for anyone accused of committing identity fraud.

Identity fraud is an offence taken very seriously by the authorities. Being accused of identity fraud can be a highly stressful situation for those accused and their loved ones. Identify fraud cases are often extremely complex, therefore if you are being investigated for identity fraud you should seek legal advice as early as possible.

Draycott Browne has a strong track record of successfully representing and advising clients in serious high value fraud cases since 1998. Our team of highly talented and experienced fraud solicitors defend our clients’ cases with determination, skill and attention to detail, and we could help you defend your case too. Call us today on +44 (0)161 228 2244

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

For over 20 years, Draycott Browne has been successfully guiding and representing clients in serious and high value fraud cases. Our solicitors are skilled and experienced at handling the intricacies of complex cases, and we will vigorously challenge the evidence against you. We have a formidable reputation for defending serious high value cases with tenacity and precision to provide our clients with the best defence possible.

We will liaise with the authorities for you and if you are asked for information, we will counsel you on what to say. We have over 20 years’ experience dealing with the main enforcement agencies, such as:

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
• The Serious Fraud Office (SFO)

Throughout your case, we will be there to support you and provide you with professional advice and guidance, including:

• Representing you during questioning
• Ensuring your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly throughout the process
• Advising you on your plea
• Applying for bail - where necessary - and ensuring the impact of any conditions is minimised
• Ensuring you are fully prepared for your trial
• Providing expert representation in court
• Helping you protect your reputation
• Advising and assisting you on the appeals process, if necessary

We understand that being charged with a fraud offence can be a very stressful experience. Our dedicated and experienced legal team will work tirelessly to defend your case, whilst ensuring that you and your loved ones are treated with understanding, empathy and respect at all times.

WHAT IS IDENTITY FRAUD?

Identify fraud is when an imposter dishonestly uses the identity of another person or organisation to benefit themselves (or others), and/or cause a loss for the victim.

Identity fraud covers a wide range of situations, and the opportunities continue to grow as more and more business is conducted online. Some examples include:

• Opening a bank account using another person’s identity
• Assuming the identity of someone else to use their bank account without authorisation
• Applying for credit cards and/or loans using a stolen identity
• Ordering goods using a stolen identity
• Taking out mobile phone contracts in the name of a stolen identity
• Obtaining official documents such as passport / driving licence in the name of a stolen identity
• Applying for benefits in the name of a stolen identity

INTERNET IDENTITY FRAUD

Internet identity theft involves obtaining personal data from individuals (such as name, address, passwords and bank account details) to be used to commit a variety of fraudulent activities, mostly related to money.

Personal information can be stolen over the Internet in a variety of ways from the simple to the very sophisticated, and it often goes undetected by the victim.

Collecting information in order to fraudulently use another person's credit card is a form of identity theft. In the first half of 2018, a report from UK anti-fraud organisation CIFAS saw a 12% increase in falsified credit card applications using these kinds of methods.

At the time, CIFAS said: "To carry out this kind of fraud successfully, fraudsters need access to their victim's personal information such as name, date of birth, address, their bank, and who they hold accounts with.

"Fraudsters get hold of this in a variety of ways, through 'social engineering' where innocent parties are persuaded to give up personal information to someone pretending to be from a trusted retailer."

Not all online fraud involves pretending to be a retailer - fraudsters can also pretend to be representatives of other organisations and agencies too, from law enforcement to accountants and even imitating HMRC.

Our team of Identify Theft Defence Lawyers has the level of expertise in cyber crime and computer based fraud cases to ensure that every part of the investigation is examined in detail and your case is vigorously defended.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR IDENTITY FRAUD?

Penalties for serious identity fraud cases can be severe. Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, and substantial fines may also be imposed.

In addition, a conviction for identity fraud may impact future job prospects and the ability to obtain important financial services.

24 HOUR AVAILABILITY

It is not always possible to anticipate an arrest, which is why our legal advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At Draycott Browne we have a team of professionals ready to assist you whenever you need us. We will represent you at from the start to make sure you and your case are treated fairly and appropriately.

LEGAL AID

Defending your name is worth every penny, but if you need assistance with the financial cost of your legal fees, we can help you to apply for legal aid. Our solicitors can guide you through the application process to help you get the maximum support possible.

CONTACT US

If you are under investigation for identity fraud, contact our specialist criminal defence lawyers for advice today. Our Fraud Lawyers have significant expertise in these cases and will be able to provide you with the best-possible advice and support.

We take great pride in our dedication and professionalism. We are relentless in the pursuit of achieving the best result possible for all of our clients and will continuously work hard on your behalf with an attention to detail and tenacity that is second to none.

We have over 25 years of experience in this area of law. Our track record in even the most complex and sophisticated of cases shows that you’ll have the best possible chance of a successful outcome to the challenge you are facing.

Draycott Browne is one of the UK's top criminal defence law firms. We regularly provide specialist criminal defence representation in cases involving identity fraud to clients in Manchester, Liverpool, London, Birmingham and throughout the whole of England and Wales. When facing serious consequences, trust in Draycott Browne. You cannot afford to settle for anything less.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with solicitors committed to providing first-class representation for every client. If you or somebody you know has been arrested and needs expert legal representation, call Draycott Browne today on +44 (0)161 228 2244