Fraud silently devastates millions across Britain every year, yet police have long neglected it. Unlike violent crimes that “bang, bleed, or shout,” fraud fails to capture urgent attention, leaving victims abandoned and justice delayed.
Despite being the most prevalent crime in the country, fraud investigation has suffered from decades of under-resourcing and ineffective responses. The government now faces mounting pressure to overhaul how it combats this escalating threat—estimated at 4.2 million incidents in the year leading to September 2025.
A History of Neglect and Broken Promises
Back in 2013, Carolyn Woods lost her entire life savings—£850,000—in a brutal romance scam orchestrated by the infamous conman Mark Acklom. When she sought help, police dismissively directed her to an online reporting tool called Action Fraud. The system, she later dubbed “Inaction Fraud.”
An undercover investigation exposed Action Fraud staff as largely untrained and indifferent, even calling victims “morons.” This callous approach compounded victims’ trauma and allowed scammers to operate with near impunity.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services delivered a scathing report, revealing that many police forces lacked dedicated fraud detectives. One force ignored 96% of fraud cases—even those with solid suspects and compelling evidence.
Systemic Failures Across the Board
Scotland Yard’s former deputy commissioner, Sir Craig Mackey, highlighted how outdated technology and chronic underinvestment crippled police efforts. Victims routinely faced dead ends, forced to pursue costly civil litigation when criminal justice failed them.
Our investigation into conman Ethan Hunt, convicted for renting a woman’s home with forged court documents, uncovered multiple victims left stranded. One woman, Jackie Jackson, was denied prosecution due to missing rental paperwork. Army veteran Lance Bryant lost £18,000 in a fraudulent boat business deal but was told police couldn’t locate his report.
Government Pledges a New Era of Fraud Fighting
In response, the government recently unveiled an ambitious national fraud strategy. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized fraud’s scale and sophistication, calling it a “growing threat to our national security and economic resilience.”
Mahmood vowed to enhance victim support, improve reimbursement processes, strengthen criminal and civil justice frameworks, and modernize fraud reporting systems.
Justice Delayed, But Not Denied
Sadly, for victims like Carolyn Woods, these reforms come too late. Sky News tracked down Acklom across Spain and Switzerland, eventually securing his conviction after a grueling four-year pursuit. Yet police and courts remain powerless to recover her stolen funds, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
The government’s commitment marks a critical turning point in Britain’s battle against fraud—but only sustained action and investment will restore public trust and deliver justice for millions harmed each year.
