The district topped a list compiled by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) following an analysis of more than two million policies.
Policy fraud involves criminals using stolen or false details to take out insurance, often to commit wider scams like ‘crash for cash’ or to make fraudulent claims.
The IFB has reported a seven-fold increase in stolen details used for insurance scams across the UK over the past year.
Jon Radford, head of intelligence, investigations and data services at the IFB, said: “Our analysis shows a breadth of towns and cities across England are impacted by policy fraud, so it’s vital that everyone stays alert for signs their personal information is being misused.
“While anyone can be targeted, insights suggest insurance fraudsters often steal details from those they believe are cheaper and easier to insure – including people over 60, or individuals seen as financially secure or low-risk.”
Mark Allen, head of fraud and financial crime at the Association of British Insurers, added: “Amid an increase in identity theft – which is often aided by the use of generative AI – it’s essential that consumers remain vigilant to protect their personal information from policy fraudsters.
“The IFB’s findings underscore the evolving nature of this crime and its impact on victims when false insurance policies are taken out or fraudulent claims are made using their details.”
A national increase in data phishing scams has also been detected by the IFB.
The consequences for victims of such fraud can be severe, with fraudsters able to impersonate someone with just a few stolen details, such as their name, home address or date of birth.
This can lead to banking and credit fraud, with victims pursued by third parties seeking to recover costs from arrangements made in their name.
It can damage credit scores and make it difficult to secure loans, credit cards or mortgages for years.
The IFB has urged the public to be vigilant and to report any signs of their details being misused to CheatLine.
The organisation said it was also working with insurers, police and industry watchdogs to tackle the issue.
The IFB has issued advice to protect personal information, including creating strong, unique passwords for accounts, avoiding sharing too much information on social media, shopping only on legitimate retailers’ websites, and keeping devices secure by installing updates promptly.