Brits have been warned to “stay alert for fraud” as more people are out to make extra cash as the cost of living rises across the country.

UK Finance said on Wednesday that more than half (56%) of people admitted that they are likely to look for opportunities to make extra money in the coming months, which could leave some people more susceptible to fraud.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/finance/news/uk-watch-for-fraud-extra-cash-cost-of-living-crisis-230154352.html

Ted Datta, Senior Director at Moody’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance Industry Practice, Europe, Africa, and Americas, discusses the rise of fraud in the UK and what companies and the government can do to turn the tide.

https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/keeping-pace-with-the-changing-face-of-fraud-in-the-uk/176837/

Your vote is yours alone.

If someone asked you what electoral fraud is, would you know? This blog, by the Electoral Commission, outlines the facts.

If a friend left you their polling card whilst they go away on holiday, would it be OK for you to cast their vote for them? Or if someone tried to intimidate or bribe you into voting a certain way, you’d probably know that it shouldn’t happen, but is it actually illegal?

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/news-campaigns/news/2024/may/your-vote-is-yours-and-yours-alone

People are using technology to try to make claims for incidents that may never have happened, insurers said.

Insurers have raised concerns about fake and manipulated images being used in claims.

Some people are using advances in technology to try to make claims for incidents that may never have happened in the first place, according to industry experts.

The Department for Work and Pensions has been told to tighten up loopholes in Universal Credit that are being exploited by fraudsters. The Public Accounts Committee called for full checks to be reinstated as it raised doubts about whether Universal Credit was any improvement on older 'legacy benefits' in terms of preventing bogus claims.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-told-tighten-up-universal-29079963

A multi-million pound fraud investigation – one of the biggest ever undertaken by North Yorkshire Police – has concluded after years of trials.

Investigators interviewed witnesses from across the UK, Europe, America and the Far East, and examined bank records linked to dozens of individuals and companies, as part of “Operation Circus Two”.

https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/news/north-yorkshire/news/court-results/2024/04-april/fraudsters-jailed-after-vast-and-complex-ponzi-scheme-investigation/

A Cumbrian building boss who pleaded guilty to fraud, disregarding a director disqualification and breaching a bankruptcy order has been jailed.

Adam Kirkbride was sentenced to four years in prison when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2024/04/29/banned-building-boss-jailed-for-fraud/

The number of purchase fraud cases seen by TSB jumped by more than a third (35%) between January and October 2023, compared with the same period in 2022. According to TSB’s data, more than £500 was lost per case on average.

Purchase frauds happen when criminals trick people into paying for goods and services that do not exist, with scams often starting on social media, according to the bank. Vehicles and parts, tickets for events, trainers and clothing are often items being offered by scammers, TSB said. TSB is also urging consumers to be wary of adverts selling pets, holidays, cosmetics, jewellery and watches.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/tsb-bank-customers-warned-to-take-action-to-avoid-losing-500-to-scams/ar-AA1jvpDQ

The new £150 million service to replace Action Fraud will “streamline victim reporting” and “empower swift police intervention” to stop, block and catch more fraudsters, the City of London Police Authority has said.

The new service is designed to make it easier and quicker for everyone to report fraud and cybercrime and significantly improve the speed and quality of information provided to law enforcement partners, boosting their chances of successful prosecutions.

https://policeprofessional.com/news/new-150m-service-will-stop-block-and-catch-more-fraudsters-says-city-of-london-police-authority-chair/

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to receive enhanced powers to enter homes and make arrests under the new Fraud Bill. The government aims to equip the DWP with enforcement capabilities similar to those of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/dwp-powers-raid-homes-arrests-102111852.html