What is Fraud?

Fraud is the name given to the crime of a person dishonestly deceiving or tricking the victim, most commonly to the financial or material gain of the offender. Victims of fraud may have lost money, goods, services or property.

There are a number of different types of fraud, and terms used to describe it. Further details can be found on the Victim Support Website Fraud - Victim Support.

The Action Fraud website also has useful information and practical advice - Action Fraud.

It is important to talk to someone about how you are feeling following a fraud crime, whether you decide to report it or not.

How does fraud affect victims?

Everyone reacts differently to being a victim of Fraud. It is important to remember that anyone can be a victim and it is not your fault. Fraud criminals are constantly developing new ways to trick people, particularly as technology advances.

Some common feelings that victims of fraud may experience is:

• Helplessness
• Embarrassment and shame at having been tricked
• Anger about having been lied to, potentially with trust having been broken
• Financial worries - struggling to pay bills

Help and support can be found below:

Wiltshire - Community | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

The Action Fraud National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit (AF-NECVCU) | Action Fraud

Victim Support