Justice system “ill-equipped” to deal with rising fraud

The report into fraud and the justice system, published by the Justice Committee, said the level of focus from policing is inadequate to deal with the scale, complexity and evolving nature of fraud. 

In total, only two percent of police funding is dedicated to combating fraud, despite the fact that it accounts for 40% of all reported crime. Additionally, it says lines of accountability are confused with responsibility split between local and national forces. 

The report also believes Action Fraud has “proven itself unfit for purpose” and, while a replacement reporting system is expected in 2024, victims should not have to wait this long to see improvements in the service they receive.

Off the back of this, it’s called for what it describes as a “victim-focussed approach” to ensure people know where to report cases of fraud, and are kept up-to-date and supported as criminal investigations progress. 

Alongside this, officers should receive sufficient training to ensure they can identify and respond to fraud, particularly within the online sphere, and calls for data on fraud crime to be collected and published in sufficient detail.

Responding to the findings, Justice Committee chairman Sir Bob Neill said: “A week ago, it was announced that it is now a key priority for police to attend every burglary reported to them. 

“It is right that victims of such invasive and traumatic crime should know that they will be supported, but we should not underestimate the impact that offences of fraud also have upon victims. Fraud currently accounts for 40% of crime and the figure is growing. 

“People are losing their life savings and suffering lasting emotional and psychological harm. But the level of concern from law enforcement falls short of what is required.

“The decision has already been made to replace Action Fraud, and the government will need to make sure its successor can meet the demands placed on it, but the wider criminal justice system must also renew its focus on this crime. 

“Fraud prevention, investigation and prosecution too often has seemed like an afterthought, last in the queue for resources, monitoring and even court time. We need the criminal justice system to have the resources and focus to be able to adapt to new technologies and emerging trends. 

“The current sense of inertia cannot continue, we need meaningful action now.”