The UK continues to see staggering levels of fraud, with Ofcom research indicating that almost 9 out of ten online adults (nearly 43 million people) have encountered suspected scams. With fraud accounting for over 40% of crime, and having a significant impact not only on those individuals or businesses who fall victim, but also on the UK's financial reputation and our national and economic security, it is a critical issue for the new government to address. This article explores the Labour government's proposed strategy to combat fraud and the potential implications for various sectors.

Tackling fraud: the Labour Government's strategy (mishcon.com)

UK motor insurer Ageas has identified a concerning new trend in “crash for cash” scams: a scheme involving moped riders who intentionally position themselves to be hit by reversing vans in an attempt to be compensated by insurance.

‘Crash for cash’ scam gets new twist | Insurance Business UK (insurancebusinessmag.com)

Benefit fraud cost taxpayers a record £7.3bn last year as a wave of criminality sweeps Britain, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/benefits-fraud-costs-taxpayer-record-7-3bn-as-society-becomes-more-criminal/ar-BB1qqwHa#

People are being warned against a 'Royal Mail scam' appearing in inboxes.

Facebook page, 'Lancashire Trading Standards Scambuster Stan', posted an example of the message to advise followers to stay vigilant. The email purports to be Royal Mail, stating the recipient has failed to receive a 'large letter' from HM Revenue and Customs.

With the UK school year coming to a close next week, thousands of families will be looking forward to much-needed getaways. However, parents are being warned of new QR code scams proliferating in tourist areas of the country, particularly in car parks, as well as in other public spots like restaurants, pubs, and parks, around common holiday destinations in the UK.

QR Code Generator has provided some expert tips to avoid falling victim to false codes and ‘quishing’ scams this summer holiday.

https://ifamagazine.com/schools-out-scams-in-alert-for-uk-holiday-makers/

A new report is calling for the establishment of a Fraud Commissioner and for all economic crime – including fraud – to sit with a dedicated cabinet minister.

Published on Thursday (July 18) by Crest Insights, the think-tank for the criminal justice system, the White Paper highlights the need for a “renewed focus” on online fraud within government strategy.

https://policeprofessional.com/news/new-white-paper-calls-for-step-change-in-fraud-response/

The number of holiday scams has tripled in the first half of 2024, and a lender has warned families to stay alert when booking a trip to sunnier climes.

The warning comes as July has proven to be a particularly fruitful time of year for fraudsters, as £34,000 was taken from Santander customers in that month in 2023.

https://www.yourmoney.com/household-bills/holiday-scams-triple-santander-urges-families-to-stay-alert-during-summer-break/

Organisations should be preparing now for a new ‘failure to prevent fraud’ offence in the UK, as organisation-wide understanding of the requirements and responsibilities may be necessary.

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/analysis/eccta-preparing-for-the-new-failure-to-prevent-fraud-offence

Fraud accounts for 40 per cent of all reported crimes, new data has revealed, as Britons report that they are seeing an increase in scam activity.

Nearly £1.2billion was lost to fraud last year, according to figures from the National Crime Agency, with 3.5 million fraud offences having been committed in the year to March 2023.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/fraud-now-makes-up-almost-half-of-reported-crime-how-to-avoid-getting-scammed/ar-BB1q05io

• New ClearScore research finds that nearly half (46%) of Brits worry about falling victim to internet or phone scams – the equivalent of nearly 22 million people
• The figure rises to 49% when worrying about parents and grandparents being at risk
• Worryingly, the new study reveals that 1 in 5 (20%) of people say they have elderly people close to them who have been victims of fraud
• ClearScore offer their top 5 tips on how to stay safe from online and telephone fraud

https://ifamagazine.com/scams-46-brits-worry-theyre-at-risk-as-experts-share-5-top-tips-for-staying-safe/