We can beat fraud if we TALK

It is a crime that is second only to the illegal drugs trade in terms of its impact on the UK, and on average, it costs each adult living in the UK around £621 per year. But the human cost is even higher because proceeds of fraud are often used to fund serious crimes such as drug smuggling and people trafficking.

Most victims of fraud do not report the crime. Victims of fraud often don’t want to talk about what’s happened to them because they feel embarrassed and ashamed. Fraudsters rely on that silence. But we can fight back by talking. The National Fraud Authority (NFA) has launched Action Fraud, a national fraud reporting centre that provides a single point of contact for fraud victims where they can both report a fraud and seek guidance and advice.

Dr. Bernard Herdan, Chief Executive of the NFA, said: “Action Fraud is at the heart of our strategy to make the UK a more hostile environment for fraud. Victims of fraud often don’t want to talk about it because they feel embarrassed. They not only suffer a financial loss but a loss of self esteem because they blame themselves for being taken in. But the best way to fight fraud and fraudsters is to get people talking about it and reporting it to Action Fraud.”

Action Fraud provides a clear signpost for reporting all types of fraud, including identity theft, investment, credit card and consumer fraud. At the same time it gives law enforcement and counter-fraud agencies better information to better target fraudsters, better protect the public and bring criminals to justice, by providing vital information to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). This collaboration between the Forces, the NFIB and Action Fraud will help tighten the net on fraudsters.

ACC of Cleveland Police, Dave Pickard said: “This doesn’t mean we will stop investigating fraud.  Action Fraud will support victims, help prevent fraud and better enable Cleveland Police to investigate crime by giving us access to national intelligence.

“It will provide a broader service for victims of fraud and enhance the service provided by Cleveland Police.

“We will continue to investigate all allegations of fraud reported to us.

"Fraudsters can target people in the Cleveland Police Force area regardless of where they are based, so by providing a national reporting centre we will be in a much stronger position to tackle fraud locally.
 
"By working together, Action Fraud and Cleveland Police will be able to offer a better level of service to the public and, ultimately, bring more offenders to justice."

City of London Police is the National Lead Force for fraud, and is leading the implementation of the NFIB. Commissioner Mike Bowron said: "One of the biggest challenges we face in combating fraud is the reluctance of victims to come forward. People often feel they have somehow 'fallen' for a scam and hold some responsibility for having lost money, but this is simply not the case. These fraudsters are sophisticated criminals who use high-pressure sales-techniques to convince victims to part with their cash.

"There is no shame in becoming a victim and it is crucial that the crime is reported, so that these criminals can be caught. Action Fraud, which we have worked with the NFA to develop, will make that reporting easier - and make life significantly more difficult for fraudsters."

If individuals or business operators have been a victim of fraud in the last 12 months and want to report a fraud, they are encouraged to call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, Textphone 0300 123 2050 or visit www.actionfraud.org.uk to get advice and guidance on protecting yourself from fraud.

Action Fraud is open from Monday to Friday between 8am to 8pm, Saturday between 9am to 6pm and Sunday between 10am to 4pm. Anyone witnessing a crime in action should call the police on 999.