Charities are raising concerns about the shortcomings of the criminal justice system in addressing fraud, with recent data revealing that a mere fraction of reported fraud cases lead to prosecution. In England and Wales, 1.2 million fraud incidents were recorded from June 2022 to June 2023, yet fewer than 13,000 cases were prosecuted during the same period, as noted by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau and the Ministry of Justice.
Wayne Stevens, national lead for fraud at Victim Support, stated that victims often feel inadequately supported by the system. The Home Office has indicated plans to release a comprehensive fraud strategy in the upcoming year.
One victim, 85-year-old Joan Holdaway, shared her experience during the BBC’s Scam Safe Week. Following a barrage of calls from scammers, she lost £1,000 to an investment scam that used celebrities to entice individuals. Although she contacted Action Fraud and was connected with local police, her case did not lead to any prosecution. Holdaway expressed the emotional toll the incident had on her, contributing to ongoing feelings of suspicion and anxiety.
Stevens emphasized that many fraud cases, especially those with an international element, may not get investigated, and historically, victims were often left unreimbursed for their losses. Victim Support advocates for enhanced public awareness campaigns regarding fraud risks and improved collaboration between banks and social media platforms, which are often used for perpetrating such crimes.
UK Finance, representing the banking sector, affirmed that protecting customers remains a priority, with banks investing significantly in fraud detection systems. In a statement, the Home Office categorized fraud as a severe crime affecting individuals universally and reiterated its commitment to hold offenders accountable.
Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS) in Stockton-on-Tees assists thousands of fraud victims annually, with its staff reporting contact with hundreds of victims each month. The VCAS emphasizes the importance of community involvement and outreach in addressing the issue.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy404wpvkq3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss