Natwest’s former head of fraud prevention quietly left his role earlier this year after the group found out he was working with a law firm specialising in bringing scam victim claims against banks.

A Natwest spokesperson told City A.M. that the bank took “appropriate internal action” against Jason Costain over his work with Liverpool-based CEL Solicitors.

https://www.cityam.com/former-natwest-fraud-chief-left-after-moonlighting-for-law-firm-that-brings-scam-victim-claims/

Identity fraud has risen 22% already this year, when compared with 2022, and is expected to peak over the Christmas period.

Criminals are expected to target victims over the festive period, and last November the rate for credit card fraud was 43% higher than the normal monthly figures, according to data from Experian.

https://www.yourmoney.com/news/scam-epidemic-identity-theft-rises-22-in-2023/

A group of cyber criminals known for undertaking ransomware attacks on businesses has notified a US regulator about an alleged cybersecurity breach it was responsible for, alleging that the victim also failed to comply with data breach reporting requirements.

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/hackers-blow-regulatory-whistle-over-data-breach

Some fraudsters may take advantage of our generosity when it comes to giving to charity. They may claim to be raising money for a fake charity or impersonate a well-known charity.

Most fundraising appeals are genuine, so the risk of fraud should not put you off giving to charities. However, you should be vigilant and make sure you are giving safely to legitimate organisations.

The Treasury and the Cabinet Office have refused MPs' request for intelligence on fraud and corruption across government to be published, saying it could lead to more fraud.

https://www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/article/government-refuses-to-publish-fraud-intelligence-arguing-it-could-show-how-attacks-could-be-executed

A number of experts are concerned that making the mis-selling of tax avoidance schemes a criminal, rather than civil, offence could set a ‘dangerous precedent’.

In a discussion at the House of Lords on Monday afternoon (November 13), a panel of experts were questioned on the government’s new finance bill.

https://www.ftadviser.com/investments/2023/11/14/experts-call-for-judicial-review-before-criminal-fraud-laws-applied/

The NCSC's seventh Annual Review raises awareness of the increasingly unpredictable threat landscape.

The UK's cyber chief has today signalled that the threat to the nation’s most critical infrastructure is ‘enduring and significant’, amid a rise of state-aligned groups, an increase in aggressive cyber activity, and ongoing geopolitical challenges.

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/ncsc-warns-enduring-significant-threat-to-uks-critical-infrastructure

Businesses that breach UK sanctions imposed on Russia should notify the authorities if they wish to be eligible for lenient treatment, an expert in sanctions compliance has said.

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/en-gb/out-law/news/uk-russian-sanctions-breaches

Whistleblower reports to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have hit their highest level in five years as lawyers suggest the rise can be linked to a broadening sense of “public outrage”.

https://www.cityam.com/hmrc-whistleblower-reports-hit-five-year-high/

A hotel owner has been jailed for falsely claiming almost £140,000 from Government schemes to support businesses during Covid.

Shahid Naseeb Ahmed, 42, took advantage of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and also the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme while running the Merchants Hotel in Back Piccadilly in the centre of Manchester.

https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2023-11-10/hotel-owner-jailed-for-140000-covid-fraud