Central fraud reporting centre operational

Victims of online fraud and scams can now report these crimes directly to a central agency, Action Fraud, set up by the National Fraud Authority (NFA).

The organisation, which has been running trials since the end of last year, will not try to solve individual crimes but act as the reporting point and support body for victims.

Crime details logged by agency will be handed to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), run by the City of London police, for investigation.

Online fraud is a growing problem for consumers and businesses. On average, the NFA said fraud costs each of us living in England and Wales around £231 a year.

However, until now it has been extremely difficult for victims to know who to report a fraud to.

The largest ever survey of fraud victims, published by the NFA in December, identified more than 15 different agencies that take reports of fraud.

Dr Bernard Herdan, who heads up Action Fraud, also pointed out that there is a huge disparity in the way police forces handle fraud and cyber crime.

“Typically what happens at the moment is when an individual reports a fraud, the sums of money involved can seem small and the police have not taken much interest helping victims.

"But scams can net the criminals hundreds of thousands of pounds and by taking reports from victims, Action Fraud will help build a picture of how large a fraud is," he said.

The agency, which was originally known as the national fraud reporting centre and expected to be operational last summer, will work with private and public sector organisations. This includes banks, government departments including the Financial Services Authority, and the Office of Fair Trading.

Whether it is an offline or online fraud, such as an Ebay fraud, a scam such as Zavvi Direct or fake ticket sales or sites, Action Fraud will deliver the details to the NFIB. This police force will then collate the information so the authorities get a better overall picture.

If the NFIB identifies a criminal or an area where fraudulent activity is focused, it will send reports to the local police force; giving them the option of launching their own investigation.

It will also work closely with the Police Central E-crime unit run by the Metropolitan police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

The Action Fraud call centre is now live and people can call 0300 123 2040 or Textphone 0300 123 2050 Monday to Friday between 8am to 8pm, Saturday between 9am to 6pm and Sunday between 10am to 4pm.

However, if a fraud is in progress people are being told to dial 999.

Currently there is an interim Action Fraud website run by the Attorney General’s office.

However by the beginning of February, Action Fraud will have its own website and a web reporting tool will let consumers log crimes online.