The Department for Work and Pensions has been told to tighten up loopholes in Universal Credit that are being exploited by fraudsters. The Public Accounts Committee called for full checks to be reinstated as it raised doubts about whether Universal Credit was any improvement on older 'legacy benefits' in terms of preventing bogus claims.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-told-tighten-up-universal-29079963

A multi-million pound fraud investigation – one of the biggest ever undertaken by North Yorkshire Police – has concluded after years of trials.

Investigators interviewed witnesses from across the UK, Europe, America and the Far East, and examined bank records linked to dozens of individuals and companies, as part of “Operation Circus Two”.

https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/news/north-yorkshire/news/court-results/2024/04-april/fraudsters-jailed-after-vast-and-complex-ponzi-scheme-investigation/

A Cumbrian building boss who pleaded guilty to fraud, disregarding a director disqualification and breaching a bankruptcy order has been jailed.

Adam Kirkbride was sentenced to four years in prison when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2024/04/29/banned-building-boss-jailed-for-fraud/

The number of purchase fraud cases seen by TSB jumped by more than a third (35%) between January and October 2023, compared with the same period in 2022. According to TSB’s data, more than £500 was lost per case on average.

Purchase frauds happen when criminals trick people into paying for goods and services that do not exist, with scams often starting on social media, according to the bank. Vehicles and parts, tickets for events, trainers and clothing are often items being offered by scammers, TSB said. TSB is also urging consumers to be wary of adverts selling pets, holidays, cosmetics, jewellery and watches.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/tsb-bank-customers-warned-to-take-action-to-avoid-losing-500-to-scams/ar-AA1jvpDQ

The new £150 million service to replace Action Fraud will “streamline victim reporting” and “empower swift police intervention” to stop, block and catch more fraudsters, the City of London Police Authority has said.

The new service is designed to make it easier and quicker for everyone to report fraud and cybercrime and significantly improve the speed and quality of information provided to law enforcement partners, boosting their chances of successful prosecutions.

https://policeprofessional.com/news/new-150m-service-will-stop-block-and-catch-more-fraudsters-says-city-of-london-police-authority-chair/

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to receive enhanced powers to enter homes and make arrests under the new Fraud Bill. The government aims to equip the DWP with enforcement capabilities similar to those of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/dwp-powers-raid-homes-arrests-102111852.html

A lot has been written about the UK’s new failure to prevent fraud (‘FTPF’) offence, its potential implications, and what organisations can do to prepare.

With this in mind, while we brace ourselves for the short-term arrival of the guidance and the subsequent enforcement of the offence itself, the following post takes a moment to reflect on the broader implications of FTPF, by exploring its connection to existing requirements in the areas of bribery, ESG and modern slavery.

https://kpmg.com/uk/en/blogs/home/posts/2024/04/what-anti-corruption-successes-can-teach-us-about-the-failure-to-prevent-fraud-offence.html

The UK public agency involved in the fight against corruption, fraud and bribery has been through a difficult period, beset by delays and increasing demands on its time. The organisation has set out a five-year strategy.

The UK Serious Fraud Office, has reportedly launched a review of its past and present cases after finding problems with software used in evidence disclosure. The SFO has also set out its five-year strategy, showing that it intends to use new powers and tools to crack down on alleged wrongdoers.

The Serious Fraud Office’s strategy, launched on 18th April 2024, sets our organisation’s direction, shaping our values, approach and goals over the next five years.

https://www.sfo.gov.uk/2024/04/18/serious-fraud-office-strategy-2024-2029/

All WhatsApp users in the UK have been warned a new scam could see criminals take control of their accounts.

Scammers will pose as family and friends to request a security code, which they can use to steal access to your WhatsApp account.

Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for cybercrime and fraud, has received more than 60 reports related to the new scam.