Cunninghams Solicitors

Addressing Fraud in the UK: A Comprehensive Strategy for Change

The UK Government has recognised the pressing need for a more robust approach to combating fraud, which currently accounts for 40% of all recorded criminality in the country. In response to public concerns and criticisms regarding the lack of resources allocated to this issue, the Home Office has unveiled a new Fraud Strategy titled “Stopping Scams and Protecting the Public.” This strategy represents a significant shift in the government’s stance, aiming to address the problem head-on and reduce fraud incidents by 10% by the end of the current Parliament.

Due to the severity of a fraud allegation and the potential penalties if prosecuted, it is in your best interest to contact a serious fraud solicitor for legal advice and support if accused of committing fraud. 

Acknowledging the escalating economic, societal, and criminal implications of fraud, the Home Office has outlined three key pillars that will guide the strategy’s implementation:

Pillar 1: Pursue Fraudsters

The flagship initiative under Pillar 1 is the establishment of a National Fraud Squad (NFS), comprising 400 specialist investigators. Importantly, these investigators will be new hires with a dedicated and specialised workforce, signifying a commitment to tackling fraud. The NFS will collaborate with the National Crime Agency, the City of London Police, and the Serious Fraud Office to address complex fraud cases and dismantle expansive fraud networks.

Another crucial development is the replacement of Action Fraud with a state-of-the-art reporting system, which a £30 million investment will support. This enhanced system will leverage advanced analytics and improved data accessibility, aiming to reverse the current trend of delayed response times to fraud reports by the public and businesses.

Despite these promising steps, the government has not centralised responsibility for fraud enforcement in a single body, as some interest groups advocate. The existing multi-agency approach involves 19 different government departments and 42 police forces, each with separate obligations related to fraud.

Pillar 2: Block Fraudsters

The second pillar focuses on implementing legal measures to impede low-level fraudsters. Proposed actions include a ban on cold calls regarding financial products and the prohibition of SIM farms. While the specifics of these measures are yet to be revealed, it is important to recognise that they might only have a marginal impact, as fraud is already a criminal offence. 

Although studies indicate that most fraud now occurs on digital platforms, the strategy proposes voluntary agreements between the government and industry stakeholders. These agreements encompass specific projects, policy reviews, research initiatives, and pilot programs. This approach appears to be a step back from earlier suggestions that held the technology sector liable for reimbursing fraud victims.

Pillar 3: Empower the Public

The final pillar of the strategy emphasises providing support and information to individual fraud victims. While this aspect of the strategy is relatively small in scale, it recognises the importance of supporting those affected by fraud and taking steps to mitigate the impact on their lives. It includes initiatives such as reimbursing defrauded funds and offering assistance to prevent re-victimisation.

In summary, the Fraud Strategy represents an evolutionary approach rather than a fundamental shift in the government’s efforts to combat fraud. While the increased focus, establishing a specialised investigative unit, and improving the reporting system are positive steps, a substantial gap exists between the scale of the fraud challenge and the resources allocated to address it. In the tens of millions, plans, strategies, and funding commitments will continue to struggle against the formidable £190 billion problem.

The government’s commitment to tackling fraud and recognising its pervasive impact on society is a step in the right direction. As the strategy evolves and progresses, policymakers must assess its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to ensure the fight against fraud is pursued vigorously and comprehensively. Only with sustained commitment, adequate resources, and a collaborative approach can the UK effectively combat the pervasive threat of fraud.

If you are facing fraud allegations or have been called for an interview by the police, we highly recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible. Cunninghams are experienced fraud solicitors based in Manchester and London, with over 20 years of experience defending clients’ fraud charges. Our team of experienced serious fraud solicitors have the expertise to help you build a strong case and to support you through each stage.

Cunningham’s initial advice is always free of charge and can be contacted at 0800 051 2542 or enquire online.