PCC responds to HMICFRS report on fraud

Today (Thursday 5August), Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published a report on the police response to fraud after they have reviewed the police service’s progress since its last fraud inspection in 2019.

The independent review has found too many victims still receive a poor service and are denied justice. HMICFRS found that ten of sixteen recommendations have been implemented, with progress made on a further two and three still outstanding.Most of the estimated 3.7 million incidents of fraud are not reported.

Recommendations from the 2019 HMICFRS report that are yet to be implemented include:

• evaluating the effectiveness of fraud protection advice given to the public by police forces;

• identifying,evaluating and disseminating best practice advice on the police response to fraud;and

• police forces publishing their policies for responding to and investigating fraud to make it clear to victims what they can expect when they report a fraud.

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said:  “These figures are staggering and highlights the worrying trend that adults are falling victim of fraud more than any other crime.

“There is no doubt we need to ramp up our prevention messages to stop these fraudsters praying on our residents.   Victims of fraud can be left with life-changing, devastating consequences ranging from emotional distress to loosing entire lifesavings.  To protect our people and prevent crime we need to raise awareness of what measures residents can take to prevent fraud and spot the signs of fraudulent activity.

“Much of the fraud is committed online and the majority of these crimes are preventable so I am determined to tackle the emerging threats of cyber enabled fraud by funding cyber awareness campaigns and supporting the roll out of cyber-crime prevention volunteers who will help educate the public on how to protect themselves and others from these despicable fraudsters”.

If you suspect you may have been scammed or involved in fraudulent activity, or have information about a possible fraudster, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 for help protect you and your family and prevent online fraud visit National Cyber Security Centrencsc.gov.uk for top tips and advice