National crime statistics show 2008 was a good year for fraud. Recorded cases rose 18.9 percent, bucking the decline since 2003. Increases in credit card and computer fraud helped to push up overall figures.
Similar hikes were reported overseas. The US Internet Crime Complaint Centre says complaints of online fraud hit a record high in 2008. The top two complaints were: non-delivery of goods and/or payment and internet-auction fraud.
Fraud facts
- 13,494 cases of fraud were recorded in 2008.
- Around 30 percent of these cases involved credit- and bank-card fraud.
- 546 fraud cases involved illegal use of a computer or computer software.
- About half of all recorded frauds are resolved each year.
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