Fraud has been described as a ‘silent crime’. But it is not a victimless crime. It knows no boundaries and deeply affects tens of thousands of people in the UK each year.
It is say police 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 £621per 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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.”<br><br>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).<br><br>This collaboration between the Forces, the NFIB and Action Fraud will help tighten the net on fraudsters.<br><br>Detective Chief Inspector Steve Taylor of West Yorkshire Polices Economic Crime Unit said: “The National Fraud Reporting Centre is a positive step forward in supporting local police to tackle local issues.<br><br>"Fraudsters can target people in West Yorkshire regardless of where they are based, so by having a national reporting centre we will be in a much stronger position to tackle fraud locally.<br><br>“Victims of fraud tend not to report the crime through embarrassment or confusion, but for the first time a national agency will encourage such victims to come forward and help will be offered.<br><br>“Across the Yorkshire and Humber region the Why Should They? Campaign is making waves and encouraging to residents to ask the question, why should criminals be allowed to live a life of luxury at the expense of others? Why should criminals flaunt their assets gained through ill gotten means?<br><br>“I would encourage victims of fraud or anyone who may suspect fraud is taking to place to ask these same questions and report it to police.”<br><br>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.<br><br>"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."<br><br>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 –
