Minister for Security (Dame ): My Noble Friend the Minister
of State, Home Office ( of Flint) has today made the
following Written Ministerial Statement:
Today the Government is launching two calls for evidence to
strengthen the evidence base on two key and evolving fraud
threats: unauthorised fraud and misuse of telephone numbers.
Fraud is now the most commonly experience crime in England and
Wales, accounting for around 46% of offences against individuals
and costing an estimated £14.4 billion each year. It funds
organised crime, erodes trust, and harms millions.
That is why we in March the Government published a new fraud
strategy which sets out a comprehensive approach to prevent
fraud, protect the public and pursue offenders.
The Strategy committed to improving the evidence base in relation
to unauthorised fraud and anonymous access in the telecoms sector
by launching calls for evidence. Strengthening the evidence base
on key and evolving threats is key to ensuring our response
continues to evolve and is targeted, proportionate and effective.
That's why today the Home Office is launching two Calls
for Evidence.
First, we are launching a Call for
Evidence on Unauthorised Fraud. This form of fraud,
where criminals act without a victim's knowledge or consent, is
increasing in scale and sophistication, driven by rapid
technological change and the growth of the digital economy. This
Call for Evidence will gather data and insight on the scale,
drivers and enablers of unauthorised fraud to inform future
policy and ensure our response keeps pace with emerging threats.
Secondly, we are launching a Call for Evidence on
Anonymous Access to Phone Numbers and Call Routing for
Fraud. Telecommunications is a key vector exploited by
fraudsters, and the strategy therefore commits us to several
actions to identify and address vulnerabilities across the
telecoms ecosystem. This exercise will help us better understand
risks in the numbering system and consider whether targeted and
proportionate interventions are needed.
We are calling on industry, law enforcement, regulators and the
public to contribute. The evidence gathered will shape the next
phase of our work to disrupt criminals, protect the public and
strengthen the UK's resilience to fraud.
Both Calls for Evidence have been published today on GOV.UK and
will be open for responses for 12 weeks.
