Frauds

The food safety watchdog has launched a new freephone number to make it easier for people to report suspected food fraud as it revealed related crimes cost the UK economy up to £2 billion a year.

https://www.largsandmillportnews.com/news/national/23845048.food-fraud-hotline-launched-crime-costs-uk-2-billion-year/

Eight people have been arrested in a suspected multi-million-pound fraud bust which saw police seize more than £150,000 in cash from a number of addresses in the Black Country.

The eight suspects, aged between 42 and 82, were arrested in the Wolverhampton and Dudley areas on suspicion of benefit and identity fraud relating to estimated sums in excess of £4 million. Five of the suspects are believed to be from the same family.

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2023/10/05/suspected-crime-family-among-people-arrested-in-4m-benefit-fraud-bust/

Romance scams are cruel schemes that not only break hearts but can also drain bank accounts. They reveal a harsh reality where fraudsters exploit emotions to steal money and cause their victims significant emotional distress. This story highlights a specific case where the victim was seduced by a fraudster’s deceitful charm, stressing the importance of reporting fraud and staying alert in today’s online dating world.

https://www.watchyourpocket.co.uk/news/romance-scams-2/

A man has been charged in connection with reports of romance fraud involving three women.

Cieran Griffin was arrested in Nuneaton on Friday 29 September and taken to Cheshire for questioning.

The 37-year-old from Coventry, has since been charged with three counts of fraud by false representation.

https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2023-10-03/man-charged-with-romance-fraud-in-connection-with-three-women

"Fraud" is an umbrella term describing when a person "lies to you or 'scams' you to gain an advantage". It is often linked to trying to extort money, or to learn private information about you. There are countless ways that scammers try and take advantage of their victims, some of which include via email, texts, phone calls or in person.

In a rapidly developing world where technology is becoming more advanced by the day, concerns are growing for online safety.

A London woman has shared her experience of being manipulated by a romance fraudster - as figures reveal more than £92m has been lost to such scams nationally in the last year.

Emmanuel Scotts, 55, from Fulham, was jailed for 12 years in November for “callously” scamming a number of women he met on an online dating website out of more than £320,000.

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) is encouraging trustees and administrators to take a more proactive stance in protecting members from pension scams, as data from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reveals a significant drop in scam attempts. However, concerns persist about underreporting of scams and potential fraud victims who may be unaware of their situation.

https://uk.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/pension-scam-attempts-fall-but-danger-persists-regulators-and-industry-experts-urge-vigilance-93CH-3173560

A man who was part of a complex courier fraud scam which cost victims more than £700,000 will have to pay back £250,000.

Fawaz Miah, 26, is in prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and money laundering offences.

A former West Mercia Police officer has been given a six-month suspended prison sentence for fraud by false representation.

Former Constable Ethan Aherne, 28, based in south Worcestershire, appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/south-shropshire/2023/09/29/police-office-off-sick-with-a-back-injury-was-caught-playing-rugby/

A Co Down company director is to go on trial next year accused of an international multimillion pound bitcoin crypto fraud after he denied the offences.

Standing in the dock of Downpatrick Crown Court, 45-year-old Jawad Yaqub entered not guilty pleas to each of the 25 charges against him.