Interviews

Action Fraud launch

by Mark Rowe

March has seen West Yorkshire police and the remaining police forces of Yorkshire and the Humber join the rest of the UK’s police forces in launching Action Fraud as a central point of contact for reporting fraud and financially motivated internet crime.

Action Fraud is being launched nationally on April 1, 2013, but from since March 25, the public from across Yorkshire and the Humber will be encouraged to report fraud and internet scams directly to Action Fraud via www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

The four forces have been working together to ensure that the new reporting system is adopted consistently across the region and, in doing so, remain committed to tackling fraud, scams and con-artists at a local and regional level.

Action Fraud, run by the National Fraud Authority, will be the main agency for people to contact if they are a victim of a scam or fraud offence both in terms of making reports and accessing support and prevention advice. Reports taken will be used to formulate a national picture as well as being passed on to forces for further investigation.

Speaking of the initiative, Detective Superintendent Steve Waite, Head of Intelligence for Regional Operations said: “Action Fraud will enable a better sharing of information about the nature and extent of fraud across the region and beyond which will assist all law-enforcement partners in tackling the various different types of fraud affecting our local communities and businesses.

“Here in Yorkshire and the Humber the Economic Crime Units within the four forces have been working together as well as with the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau to ensure we’re ready to go live with Action Fraud on March 25.

“People will still be able to report fraud to their local force, who will take action if a possible fraudster is at their door for example. In non-urgent situations however, they will be encouraged to contact Action Fraud as the most appropriate agency.”

Detective Inspector Andy Howard of West Yorkshire Police said: “Fraud is a serious offence that affected nearly 5,000 people in West Yorkshire in 2011/12 and West Yorkshire Police have been working closely with Action Fraud here to ensure that the public of West Yorkshire will continue to receive a quality service in relation to the reporting and investigation of fraud and internet crime.

“Having Action Fraud as the main point of contact for people to report this type of crime to – and contact for updates – provides the public with an agency who will deal solely with fraud, so we hope people see this as a positive measure and a sign of our commitment to treating fraud seriously.

“People should always contact the police in an emergency, such as if they have a possible fraudster at their door. However Action Fraud will be the lead agency on Fraud from now on. The agency will take people’s information and details of their crime and compile investigations, working with the police to bring offenders to justice.”

Requests for crime updates or advice about fraud should also be referred to Action Fraud via [email protected] or in writing to: The Information Manager, FREEPOST, Action Fraud, UK.

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