13 Feb UK Government Launches Stop! Think Fraud Campaign
Monday 12th of February 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the relentless battle against fraudsters as the Stop! Think Fraud campaign makes its debut. Launched by the UK Government with resounding support from leading counter fraud experts, this initiative signals a concerted effort to provide the public with consistent, clear, and robust anti-fraud advice, revolutionising our approach to combating fraudulent activities.
Understanding the Scope:
Fraud remains a pervasive threat, constituting a staggering 40% of all crime in England and Wales. Despite recent progress evidenced by a 13% reduction, an estimated 3.2 million fraud offenses occur annually, imposing a substantial societal cost of £6.8 billion. Furthermore, Scotland has witnessed a concerning doubling of fraud over the past nine years, while Northern Ireland experienced alarming spikes during the pandemic.
The Campaign’s Approach:
At the heart of the Stop! Think Fraud campaign lies a commitment to evidence-led strategies. Leveraging the expertise of leading counter-fraud professionals, the initiative boasts an online fraud hub, offering concise, easy-to-follow advice and seamlessly directing victims to relevant support organisations.
Reaching Every Corner:
Anticipate impactful adverts across a myriad of platforms, ensuring pervasive exposure to 95% of UK adults in the forthcoming weeks. This concerted effort aims to arm individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to combat fraud.
What are the Officials Saying:
Home Secretary James Cleverly highlights the campaign as a vital addition to the government’s Fraud Strategy, urging everyone to share the messaging far and wide.
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat emphasises the importance of the campaign in safeguarding against fraudsters and praises the ongoing success of the Fraud Strategy.
Collaboration for Impact:
The resonance of the Stop! Think Fraud campaign extends far and wide, garnering unwavering support from various sectors including tech, finance, retail, law enforcement, and consumer groups. Stakeholders have pledged to prominently display campaign advice, fostering a united front against fraudsters. Some of organisations involved in the campaign and working with the Home Office are: Barclays, Citizens Advice, City of London Police, Financial Conduct Authority, Halifax, HSBC, National Crime Agency, The Pensions Regulator, Santander and many more.
Continuing the Fight:
Amidst the campaign’s fervour, efforts to combat fraud remain steadfastly underway. The National Fraud Strategy, meticulously crafted by the government, will continue to unfold, with initiatives such as the imminent launch of a replacement service for Action Fraud poised to bolster our collective resilience against fraudulent endeavours.
The Role of Training and KYC Lookup:
In the tireless crusade against fraud, education and training emerge as formidable allies. By prioritising investments in employee training provided by KYC Lookup, organisations can fortify their fraud prevention tools. KYC Lookup empowers businesses to verify customer identities, proactively detect potential risks, and erect robust defences against fraudulent activities.
Visit www.gov.uk/stopthinkfraud for more information about the UK Government Fraud campaign
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