Support for Fraud proposal

4th May

PCC backs new plan to fight fraudsters

Matthew Scott, Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, has backed a new government strategy to target fraudsters and scammers at source and provide a better service to victims.

The proposal aims to reduce the number of scams reaching people, by banning “SIM farms” and cold calling for sales of financial products, so that anyone receiving such a call will know it’s a scam.   There will also be a new 400 strong National Fraud Squad and more cross-border work between UK intelligence and international partners to disrupt overseas fraud operations.

The plan also aims to set up a new reporting centre and to work with tech companies, to make it easier for people to report scams.

Matthew Scott said:

“Nearly ten thousand victims of fraud in Kent have reported losses of over £35m since last April.   And we know that 758 organisations lost £73m in the same period.

“These are just the cases we know about, because many cases of fraud are not reported.  All too often, victims will not see justice.   This is not fair.   I believe that this new strategy will address the historic issues with Action Fraud and improve outcomes for victims.

“Fraud is a serious issue and represents 40% of all crime. It’s therefore welcome that the government has published a plan that puts prevention and enforcement at its heart.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

The full strategy can be read here: What the Prime Minister’s Fraud Strategy means for you - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Local fraud data can be accessed here: NFIB Dashboard (Public) (arcgis.com)