The report notes the estimated number of incidents of actual and attempted fraud against individuals rose by 12% from 3.4 million in the year ending March 2017, to 3.8 million in the year ending June 2022. However, the number of fraud offences resulting in a charge or summons fell from 6,402 in 2017 to 4,816 in 2022. Fewer than 1 in 200 cases reported to the police resulted in any action. The report also noted there are significant gaps in the Home Office's understanding of the threat from fraud. The estimated cost of fraud to individuals is £4.7 billion, and the government does not have any reliable estimate of the cost to businesses. The report concludes to successfully address the threat of fraud the Home Office needs to begin building relationships with a wide range of partner bodies and to seek to influence the behaviour of the public and businesses.
Open publciation