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Coercive Control update July 2024

Published on: 
Coercion and control document cover (cropped)


Fraud is the most experienced crime in the UK. Victims can face devastating financial, emotional and psychological harm. Society has often shamed the victims of fraud and scams into thinking it’s their fault. But victims are not ‘fools’ who ‘fell for it’ but rather targets of sophisticated, often multinational crime. We want to change the debate around fraud and scams to place the onus and fault on criminals, highlight how prevalent it is and underline how essential a collective response is.


You can access the full report here


Key Messages

  1. The perpetrators of fraud and scams are criminals. They use sophisticated techniques to target, manipulate and often coerce and control victims.
  2. Fraud and scams are very prevalent. The Home Office estimate that over 2.3 million people were victim of fraud in 2023.
  3. Victims are not stupid. We often unintentionally make victims feel stupid or unheard by using terms like ‘fall for’, ‘fooled’ or ‘duped’. We should take care to use positive, supportive and non-judgmental language.
  4. Victims need support. Victims may be going through some sort of trauma. Realising you are a victim of fraud and scam can be devastating. Equally, victims may still be in denial. Indeed, victims may have been coerced or controlled by criminals.
  5. Reporting is critical. Fraud and scams are massively underreported. We urge victims or those supporting victims to report instances of fraud and scams so that they can be investigated and addressed.
  6. Fraud and scam victims need to be prioritised in law enforcement and how we communicate, and support victims is crucial.

 

Key data

  • The Home Office estimate that 1 in 17 adults were victims of fraud in 2023. That’s equivalent to 2.39 million people.
  • 38% of crime is now fraud. The National Crime Agency (NCA) estimate that fraud is now the most committed and experienced crime.
  • The NCA estimate that 86% of fraud and scams go unreported.
  • NTS Scams Team estimate that the average victim of fraud or scams loses £1,730.

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