7. What action is the Welsh Government taking to help prevent identity fraud? OAQ52628

This is primarily a matter for the UK Government, but we're committed to making our communities safer and to continue to work with the UK Government to tackle crime.

Thank you, First Minister, and, as you'll know, identity fraud is a serious criminal activity that can cost individuals heavily. An analysis by the anti-fraud organisation Cifas shows that, in Wales, there's been some reduction in the overall number of frauds, but identity fraud rose by about 14 per cent between 2016 and 2018, and there were over 4,000 cases in Wales in 2017. So, would you join me in recognising the important work carried out by organisations, including trading standards and Age Cymru, that help more vulnerable citizens in tackling this crime? Can you tell me what more Welsh Government could do to raise awareness of the advice being offered to protect ourselves against identity fraud?

Well, I can tell the Member that an individual that I'm aware of has taken out a loan with a bank, has defaulted on that loan and informed the bank that they have moved to where we live, so I'm receiving letters myself now, addressed not to me but to this individual at my address. So, no-one can escape this. But it's an important point, and I know that you had an event in the Senedd on 19 September, raising awareness of tackling fraud and scams. Of course, the Cabinet Secretary approved up to £3,000 of funding for the Wales against scams partnership, which is hugely helpful. I know that he has also met with the Minister at the Home Office to discuss the serious organised crime strategy implementation, to meet the needs of Wales. And, of course, we'll continue to provide funding of £16.8 million in the next financial year for an additional 500 community support officers in Wales.