National ‘fraud hotline’ launched

A new national fraud hotline has been launched in response to an unprecedented rise in instances of this type of crime across the country.

The National Fraud Authority (NFA) has launched Action Fraud, a national fraud reporting centre that provides a single point of contact for people across the country to report a fraud as well as seeking guidance and advice.

Fraud is often described as a ‘silent crime’, but it affects tens of thousands of people in the UK each year and is second only to the illegal drugs trade in terms of its impact on the UK.

On average, it costs each adult 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.

More than half of all victims do not report the crime because they often feel embarrassed and ashamed.

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.

Fraudsters rely on that silence, but the best way to fight fraud and fraudsters is to get people talking about it and reporting it to Action Fraud.”

Action Fraud is a one stop shop 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 and protect the public as well as bringing criminals to justice, by providing vital information to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). This collaboration between police forces, the NFIB and Action Fraud will help tighten the net on fraudsters.

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.