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Ground-breaking rapid response scheme – the
Banking Protocol – means branch staff can alert police and
Trading Standards to suspected frauds taking
place
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Scheme rolling out nationwide with more than £9
million of potential fraud stopped in first
year
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The Banking Protocol has led to 101 arrests in 12
months since launch
A ground-breaking fraud prevention scheme aimed at identifying
and protecting potential fraud victims when they visit a bank or
building society branch has stopped more than £9 million being
passed to criminals in its first year of operation, figures from
UK Finance show.
The Banking Protocol, developed as a partnership between the
finance industry, police and Trading Standards, enables bank
staff to contact police if they suspect a customer is in the
process of being scammed, with an immediate priority response to
the branch. So far, the scheme has led to 101 arrests being made
nationally.
The Banking Protocol was first launched last October with a pilot
in London, before a national rollout began in May. The scheme is now in place
in 43 police forces across the country, with all remaining forces
across the UK committed to introducing it.
In the 12 months since the pilot launch until the end of October
2017, the Banking Protocol has prevented £9.1 million of
fraud, with individual customers
protected from losing sums ranging from £99 up to
£212,000. Police have responded to a
total of 1,262 Banking Protocol calls.
Katy Worobec, Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance,
said:
“Fraud can have a devastating effect on some of the most
susceptible people in society and it’s by working together with
law enforcement, and others, that we can make a real difference
when it matters most. The Banking Protocol is a great example of
this collaboration in action protecting people from becoming
victims. The finance industry is determined to crack down on
fraud and is taking action on all fronts – the Protocol is an
important weapon in our armoury.”
Lord Toby Harris, Chair, National Trading Standards said:
“The National Trading Standards Scams Team has been integral to
the implementation of the Banking Protocol and I am pleased to
see that it is already having a real impact. This example of
partnership working is key to tackling criminal activity in a
world where criminals are constantly innovating and finding new
ways to convince consumers of their legitimacy.
“National Trading Standards is committed to tackling criminal
activity and protecting consumers from fraud but we all have a
role to play. If you suspect you or someone you know is being
defrauded then please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer
Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.”
Commander David Clark, City of London Police, said:
“The Banking Protocol illustrates another step forward in
protecting citizens across the UK, where partnerships between
Policing and private sector are key to design out opportunities
for unscrupulous fraudsters. I applaud the initial success of the
scheme and support it going forwards.”
UK Finance has led the
development and implementation of the Banking Protocol with
support from the National Trading Standards Scam team and the
Joint Fraud Taskforce. As well as stopping frauds taking place,
the scheme ensures a consistent response to potential victims and
gives them extra support to prevent them becoming a victim in the
future. The Post Office is also part of the Protocol.
