One-stop-shop for reporting fraud
2 February 2010
Victims now have a one-stop-shop for reporting fraud and getting the advice and support they need.
Action Fraud was launched on 1 February by The National Fraud Authority. Its website and helpline are designed to simplify fraud reporting and provide the most up to date advice to victims. It will also bring together the many organisations already working to tackle fraud. A campaign in the north west and West Midlands will be followed by the roll out of the service across the country later this year.
Fraud losses in the UK are conservatively estimated at £30 billion annually.
The reality is probably far higher. Many fraud victims do not report the crime because they feel embarrassed about what’s happened to them. Fraudsters rely on this silence to succeed.
Action Fraud takes victims’ reports of fraud, provides them with crime reference numbers, and gives them the most up-to-date advice and guidance. It refers all cases of fraud to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, which collates information from Action Fraud and other public and private organisations, including SOCA, CIFAS, UK Payments, banks, credit card and insurance companies.
Dr. Bernard Herdan, Chief Executive of the National Fraud Authority 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 these fraudsters are sophisticated criminals and they use manipulative tactics to convince victims to part with their money. The best way to fight fraud and fraudsters is to get people talking about it and reporting it to Action Fraud.”
SOCA’s Deputy Director Sharon Lemon welcomed the launch of the new service. She said:
“Limiting the damage that fraud causes the UK is something we all have a part in. For SOCA this means following the trail upstream and attacking the routes that criminals use to target the UK. But that’s only part of the picture.
“The best way to fight fraud is to get people talking about it and Action Fraud will do just that. The new service will be a major step forward if it helps people understand how to be on their guard, and who to talk to if they become a victim. Criminals want you to keep quiet – don’t stay silent and help them get away with it”.
You can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. The lines are open from Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm, Saturday between 9am and 6pm and Sunday between 10am and 4pm. Calls are charged at local rate.
For more information on fraud and how to protect yourself visit our useful links pages.