BLOG - Louise Baxter Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team
Five minute read
In the first of a new series of National Trading Standards Scams Team blog posts. Louise Baxter MBE Head of The national Trading Standards Scams Team responds to the latest call to action from Which?. She agrees we need to make fraud a national priority,
Fraud affects millions of people every year. Recent calls from major organisations like Which?, Nationwide, UK Finance, Vodafone, and NatWest to the UK Government highlight the need to treat fraud as a national priority. From a National Trading Standards Scams perspective, this call to action is both timely and crucial.
The Scale of the Problem
Fraud is not just an inconvenience; it’s a serious crime with significant financial and emotional impacts. In 2023, UK consumers reported losing over £1.2 billion to fraud, this is grossly underestimated and the National Trading Standards Scams Team estimates its between £5-10 billion, as the level of reporting is so low. These statistics make scams and fraud one of the most common and damaging crimes. This staggering figure represents real people who have lost their savings, their safety, and, in some cases, their mental well being. Scams and fraud can leave victims feeling ashamed, violated and powerless, and the ripple effects can extend to families and communities.
Why Fraud Needs National Attention
The complexity and sophistication of modern scams and fraud mean that no single organisation can tackle the problem alone. Criminals are becoming increasingly skilled at exploiting technology and human psychology to deceive their victims. This makes coordinated action between government agencies, financial institutions, telecom companies, and consumer protection organisations essential.
The call for making scams and fraud a national priority is about recognising the scale of the threat and the need for a unified, strategic response. It’s about moving beyond reactive measures to a proactive stance that anticipates and disrupts fraudulent activities before they cause harm.
Wish list
At National Trading Standards, we see first hand the devastating impact of fraud on consumers. Our role is to protect consumers and businesses from these threats through enforcement, education, and support. If I had a wish list of things we could do better and improve this is what they would be:
- Better Intelligence Sharing.
- Consistent Consumer Education.
- No Blame No Shame. Better Consistent Support for Victims. This is my big wish. Provide support to victims, and treat them like they are victims of crime and help them to recover. A holistic, subjective, victim support service, available to all.
- Work in a true Multi-Agency Approach - The fight against fraud requires a multi-agency approach. Financial institutions play a critical role in detecting and preventing fraud, often being the first line of defence. Telecom companies can help by blocking scam calls and messages. Meanwhile, government policies can provide the necessary framework and resources to support these efforts. We all have something we can do, and we should be doing it together.
What now
The call to make fraud a national priority is more than a response to a growing problem; it’s a necessary shift in how we approach one of the most pervasive crimes of our time. As National Trading Standards, we are committed to playing our part in this national effort. By working together, we can protect consumers, disrupt criminal networks, and create a safer environment for everyone.
The and what
Fraud is not just a personal issue; it’s a national challenge that demands a comprehensive and coordinated response. Let’s make the fight against fraud a priority and ensure that every consumer feels safe and protected in their daily lives.
Start by getting in touch if you want to work with us and to learn about scams, complete our online training at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk.
For more information on this topic, you can also read the full article here
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