Retail fraud in the UK rocketed 545% year-on-year in the first six months of 2024, costing UK retailers £5.4 million, according to new data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).

High on the list of recorded thefts are consumers returning stolen items to swap for legitimate ones or switching a price tag before paying, according to payments specialist Dojo.

https://uk.fashionnetwork.com/news/Uk-retail-fraud-added-up-to-billions-last-year,1657496.html

Thomas Kalaris was found by the Upper Tribunal in London to have been dishonest when interviewed by the City watchdog.

Former Barclays wealth boss Thomas Kalaris has lost his appeal against a decision banning him from holding senior roles in the industry after he was found to have acted dishonestly when questioned about the bank’s capital raising at the height of the financial crisis.

https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/uk-news/2024/08/27/former-top-barclays-banker-loses-appeal-against-fca-ban-on-holding-senior-roles/

Calling all university students.

⚠️In 2023, there were 68,956 reports affecting students and young people.

Our #StudentSafety campaign will give you essential tips and advice to stay safe in the new term.

ℹ️ https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/studentsafety

Only buy tickets from the venue’s box office, the promoter, an official agent or a well-known and reputable ticket exchange site.

Oasis have announced a reunion tour, with shows taking place across the UK and Ireland in 2025.

Putting their differences aside, Noel and Liam Gallagher have confirmed dates for Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin - with tickets going on general sale this weekend.

If you're an eager fan hoping to secure seats, it's important to watch out for dodgy deals and scammers before placing any orders.

A letter that asks the recipient to verify financial information with HMRC has not been issued by HMRC, and is fraudulent.

The letter is addressed from “Indv and Small Business Compliance” at HMRC. It states that, in response to a recent government initiative, the recipient of the letter should send certain documents to HMRC by email. The documents include the business’ bank statements, accounts and VAT return, and a copy of the driving license for each director.

HMRC’s advice

A HMRC spokesperson has confirmed that the letter is fraudulent and has given advice on how to stay safe online.

Keith Williamson and Narisa Gore from Alvarez & Marsal, discuss the increasing challenges of public sector fraud and the potential of artificial intelligence tools to mitigate them

In recent years, fraudsters have undoubtedly become more sophisticated in their use of technology. Scammers are creating more credible schemes to convince victims to part with their money, generating more realistic data trails and documentation to cover their tracks, and facilitating the movement and laundering of fraud proceeds.

Tackling public sector fraud with AI tools | Open Access Government

Property fraud is on the rise: the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department reported last year property claims represented the second-highest incidence of opportunistic fraud, accounting for 29% of fraudulent claims reported in the UK.

While this includes household claims, the commercial property sector is also significantly at risk from the increased rate of commission.

What are some of the factors contributing to this changing fraud landscape and how can insurers mitigate the threats posed by fraudsters?

https://kennedyslaw.com/en/thought-leadership/article/2024/insurers-must-turn-detective-to-combat-rise-in-property-fraud/

Criminals are making plans to exploit incoming fraud refund rules from the UK payments regulator, City A.M. has learnt, as banks and fintechs warn of harm to consumers if the measures come into force unaltered.

Analysts have voiced concerns that a combination of unprepared firms, less cautious consumers and new ways of claiming money could encourage organised criminal groups to target the UK.

https://www.cityam.com/fraud-refund-plan-scammers/

The Financial Conduct Authority has fined PwC £15mn for failing to report to the regulator its belief that London Capital & Finance might have been involved in fraudulent activity.

This is the first time the regulator has fined an audit firm and comes after PwC encountered “significant” issues throughout their 2016 audit of LCF.

https://www.ftadviser.com/regulation/2024/08/16/fca-fines-pwc-15mn-for-failing-to-disclose-suspected-fraud-at-lcf/

UK policymakers could consider it “prudent” to defer the implementation of a new fraud compensation scheme to seek to allay the “legitimate concerns” about the scheme that UK payment providers have expressed, an expert has said.

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/en-gb/out-law/news/delaying-uk-app-fraud-compensation-scheme-considered-prudent