Organised criminal groups are switching from riskier drug rackets to fraud in the EU and many don't hesitate to use violence to protect their activities, the bloc's chief prosecutor told AFP in an interview.

Laura Kovesi said that value-added tax (VAT) fraud accounted for 59 percent of the estimated 19 billion euros ($21 billion) in damage to the EU budget arising from cases opened for investigation last year by her European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/crime-groups-shifting-fraud-schemes-093811328.html/

The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has indicated that it intends to utilise existing but less commonly used powers to grant immunity notices to offenders who assist in its cases, and support reduced sentences to defendants who provide evidence to enable other prosecutions.

https://www.scotsman.com/business/fraud-investigations-look-likely-to-be-stepped-up-tom-stocker-4537899

New Lloyds Bank data shows that impersonation scams have risen 13% over the past year.

An impersonation scam is where a fraudster convinces their victim to make a payment, or give personal or financial details, by pretending to be someone else.

Scammers frequently impersonate police officers, bank staff and HMRC, although they may also pretend to be from a large company like Amazon.

https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media/press-releases/2024/lloyds-bank-2024/lloyds-bank-issues-warning-on-impersonation-scams-as-they-rise-thirteen-percent.html

Due to high demand, Surrey and Sussex Police are expanding their monthly webinars about Cyber Security and Online Fraud. For further information and to register for upcoming webinars please see the following link: Online Safety and Cyber Security Webinars | Eventbrite

The webinars are delivered by the Protect Officer for Surrey and Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit to empower people with knowledge to navigate the digital world safely.

https://www.blunt4reigate.com/news/surrey-and-sussex-police-expand-monthly-cyber-security-and-online-fraud-webinars-due-high

RISING numbers of fraudsters hoodwinking vulnerable residents into parting with cash will see a new campaign rolled out across Barnsley to combat criminals preying on victims.

According to South Yorkshire Police, an older person is a victim of fraud every 40 seconds and the typical targets of so-called ‘courier fraud’ are individuals over the age of 70.

https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/27480/new-campaign-targets-fraudsters/

Sun seekers looking to book their summer getaway are being warned to look out for fraudulent deals, as new data released today shows victims lost a staggering £12.3 million to holiday fraud last year.

Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime reporting service, has launched a holiday fraud campaign ahead of the summer months, urging holiday goers to play it safe online and do their research before booking their trip.

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/dont-lose-out-before-flying-out-action-fraud-urge-holiday-makers-to-watch-out-for-fraudsters-online

Just under half (42 per cent) of regulated firms have reported a rise in financial crime attempts, according to anti-money laundering provider SmartSearch.

The survey, which asked over 500 UK businesses across the legal, property, finance and accountancy sectors, found nearly half (48 per cent) of legal professionals, solicitors and conveyancers reported a rise in financial crime attempts in 2023, compared to 34 per cent the year prior.

https://www.ftadviser.com/your-industry/2024/02/27/half-of-firms-battle-surge-in-financial-crime-attempts/

The UK anti-fraud agency has raided three residences and made four arrests in North West England in relation to an investigation into Signature Group.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has announced it is investigating Signature Group, a business that attracted over a thousand investors in the redevelopment of landmarks including Belfast’s Scottish Mutual Building and the Coal Exchange in Cardiff.

https://www.cityam.com/sfo-launches-probe-into-140m-property-fraud/

What is Check a Website?

Check a website is an easy-to-use online tool which helps you to determine whether a website is likely to be legitimate or a scam … before you visit it.

Provided in the UK by Get Safe Online in conjunction with Cifas, ScamAdviser and our other partners, it cleverly uses an algorithm to provide a trust score based on more than 40 data sources as well as thousands of reports of malicious websites from law enforcement agencies, regulators and consumer brands every week.

https://www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite/

Advance fee fraud is when fraudsters target victims to make advance or upfront payments for goods, services and/or financial gains that do not materialise.

Types of advance fee fraud include:

Career opportunity scams

Clairvoyant or psychic scams

Cheque overpayment fraud

Dating or romance scams

Fraud recovery fraud

https://www.getsafeonline.org/personal/articles/advance-fee-frauds/