New data released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveals a concerning trend: fraud continues to surge in England and Wales. The figures, covering the year to December 2024, show a 33% increase in fraud offences compared to the previous year, a continuation of the upward trend observed in recent years.
Low reporting rates indicate a lack of confidence
One of the most alarming statistics is the low rate at which fraud is reported. According to the ONS data, only one in seven fraud offences were reported to the police or Action Fraud. This raises serious questions about public trust in law enforcement’s ability to tackle fraud.
Laurence Clarke, senior associate in the Dispute Resolution at law firm Kingsley Napley, commented on the findings: “The statistics released this morning confirm that fraud continues to rise… This perhaps shows the public are almost accepting now that scams are a fact of life and have little faith in the authorities to address them.”
Clarke also suggests that the low reporting rate may be attributed to victims feeling embarrassed about falling for scams and being unwilling to admit their role in enabling the fraud.
Sophisticated frauds target businesses and individuals
The data highlights the increasing sophistication of fraud, with a rise in Advance Push Payment (APP) fraud and email interception. These types of fraud are often tailored to target specific businesses or individuals, making them particularly insidious.
“It’s important to remember that criminals target indiscriminately, and anyone can become a victim,” Clarke warns. “Also, frauds are becoming ever more sophisticated, with a rise in APP (Advance Push Payment) and email interception frauds, which are tailored to target specific businesses or individuals.”
This underscores the critical need for enhanced education on identifying potential fraudulent activity and maintaining up-to-date IT security systems, both for individuals and businesses.
Addressing the rising tide of fraud
“Ultimately, fraud continues to rise because criminals believe they can, and often do, get away with it,” Clarke states.
He emphasizes that recognizing the scale of the problem is a crucial first step towards taking more effective action.
While pursuing fraudsters through civil action can be economically challenging, especially when they are based overseas, Clarke advises victims to seek early legal advice to understand their options, stressing that speed is essential for successful recoveries in fraud cases.
ONS data provides detailed breakdown
The ONS data release provides a comprehensive overview of crime in England and Wales for the year ending December 2024. This includes detailed breakdowns of:
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Crime against households and individuals aged 16 and over, using data from police recorded crime and the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW).
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Personal and household crime prevalence and incidence.
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Perceptions of the criminal justice system.
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Police Force Area data.
The data also includes appendix tables with trends in CSEW crime and Home Office police recorded crime, with specific data on fraud and anti-social behavior.
Call to action
The ONS statistics and expert commentary paint a concerning picture of the current fraud landscape in England and Wales. It is crucial for individuals and businesses to remain vigilant, educate themselves about potential scams, and prioritize robust cybersecurity measures.
