Crime and victims

Fraud

Fraud happens when somebody uses deception to obtain goods, services or money. It is a serious problem in the UK, and we are working hard to prevent it.

The face of fraud changes as technology advances. It is our job to help you take steps to prevent fraud from occurring in the first place.

When it does occur, we intend to be sure that it's dealt with it effectively.

Identity fraud

Your identity is a valuable commodity - and this commodity can be stolen and used by criminals.

With just a few of your personal details a fraudster can buy goods and services in your name. A document bearing your name and/or your address makes it even easier for them.

Find out how to protect yourself by visiting the Identity Theft website (new window).

Fraud prevention advice

By taking some precautions and following some sensible advice you can help protect yourself from fraud.  Have a look at the fraud prevention advice we provide:

• Fraud mini-site (new window) - part of our Crime Reduction website, provides information on fraud for police, crime reduction practitioners, businesses and consumers
• e-tailing mini-site (new window) - also part of the Crime Reduction website, provides information to help both consumers and businesses protect themselves when buying and selling over the internet
• Keep Your Cards Safe leaflet - read the leaflet we produced in conjunction with the credit card industry

What we're doing to prevent fraud

Here are some of the actions we're taking to prevent fraud from occurring, and to track down those who are trying to do it.

New money to implement recommendations from the fraud review

In 2008, the government has allocated £29 million to be spent through 2010 putting into place the recommendations made in a cross-government fraud review conducted by the attorney general.

A new fraud strategic authority will lead the battle to fight fraud in the UK, and a new fraud reporting centre will improve police intelligence about fraudsters targeting this country. Finally, a national lead force for fraud will enhance police work on fraud cases.

Extra resources for fraud policing in the City of London

The Home Office and the Corporation of London are each contributing additional resources towards the cost of an expanded City of London Police fraud squad and are both contributing just over £1.12m in 2007/08.

This money helps the City of London Police expand its fraud squad so that it can better take on organised crime, and take a leading role in the investigation of fraud in London and the south east.

Dedicated cheque and plastic crime unit (DCPCU)

This specialist police unit that we helped establish, aims to reduce organised card and cheque fraud using intelligence provided by the card industry, which funds it.

So far, its work has prevented more than £230m from falling into the hands of fraudsters.

Tackling 'card not present' fraud

We’re working with the police and card industry to deal with so-called 'card not present fraud' which takes place in transactions where the cardholder and the seller don't come face to face, so this includes mail order, over the phone and on the internet.

Chip and PIN

We have supported the finance and retail industries in introducing Chip and PIN, which is helping fight certain types of plastic card fraud.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Here are a few simple precautions that you can take to ensure you don’t become a victim of fraud:

• be alert when using your cheque or credit card; keep your plastic cards and account information safe at all times
• don't send money in response to unsolicited letters or phone calls
• dispose of any documents bearing your name and address and any other personal details carefully
• visit Cardwatch (new window) - a useful source of information on payment card fraud and its prevention, and Banksafe online (new window) which is designed to help those using online banking to stay safe
• visit the Metropolitan Police fraud alert website (new window) for information about current scams and frauds, and what to do if you think you have been a victim of fraud 

What if it happens to you?

In 2007, the Home Office changed the way people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland report cases of fraud involving credit cards, online banking and cheques.

Now, instead of calling the police, you should report these types of fraud directly to your bank or card company. Credit card companies and banks are responsible for verifying the crime, and reporting it to the police.

These changes were designed to reduce bureaucracy, and speed up investigations.