Thirdfort reports 48% increase in demand from estate agents as concerns mount about AI-generated ID fraud

July 9, 2025

Amid increasing concerns about AI-powered identity fraud, estate agents are seeking to implement more robust digital ID solutions. Client due diligence platform Thirdfort has reported a 48% year-on-year rise in the number of estate agents adopting its technology, as data indicates that AI-driven fraud is on the rise.

According to Cifas’ Fraudscape 2025 report, AI-powered identity fraud tactics contributed to a 5% rise in reported cases compared to 2023. Identity fraud has reached record levels, remaining the most prevalent type of fraud. Fraudsters are also exploiting remote, digital-first environments. A staggering 86% of cases were carried out through online channels, reflecting both the scale of digital impersonation and the accelerating shift to online services.

In response, property professionals are seeking more robust digital identity solutions. Thirdfort uses original ID verification and multi-layered security to verify document authenticity, check documents reported lost or stolen and validate that the information is genuine.

Olly Thornton-Berry, co-founder and CEO of Thirdfort commented: “The topic of AI is increasingly coming up in sales and onboarding conversations with property professionals. Yet whilst it’s becoming easier for criminals to create convincing fake documents, we have specific protocols in place to protect against these risks.

“Thirdfort’s identity verification solutions use NFC-based ID verification and biometric chip reading to extract and validate data, performing ‘liveness’ checks by matching a user’s facial scan with the photo on their passport chip.”

The most reliable systems incorporate multiple verification features, including validating chipped documents, facial recognition, scanning under various light sources, and cross-referencing external data sources – from PEPs and Sanctions screening to address validation, mortality checks, and databases of lost and stolen documents.

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