Police ignoring e-crime victims

Police are ignoring victims of online fraud, according to a community group set up to help members of the public who have suffered cyber-crime.

The not-for-profit E-Victims organisation said that since it launched its website six months ago, it has received consistent reports that people who been victims of cyber-crime are being disregarded by the police and other authorities.

Jennifer Perry, the organisation’s communications director, said the Government is “stubbornly” refusing to deal with the issue.

“Cyber-crime is being ignored by the Government, and the low priority that it puts on this problem filters down to the law-enforcement agencies and other authorities. The police just tell people they don’t have the resources or expertise to handle online crime,” she said.

Although some police forces do try to help members of the public, others just ignore victims of e-crime. The situation has not been helped by changes made last April to the reporting laws. Now, instead of contacting the police for a crime reference number, people who have suffered cheque or card fraud online are now only expected to report this to the banks.

“This, of course, has an impact on the crime figures. Say 200 people have been scammed by someone online, if this is reported to the police for investigation it is considered one crime; not 200,” she said.

Mrs Perry also pointed out how difficult it is for people to get their money back.

“People assume all victims get their money back and it isn’t a big deal. Well it is. It can take up to three months and people are put through a lot of stress. Increasingly some banks are not refunding victims, saying it has been their fault.

"When you’re mugged or burgled the police are there to help. E-victims should be treated with same respect. E-crime is not a virtual crime and victim of a crime should be able to report it to the police,” she said.

The E-Victims Organisation provides clear and practical information for victims of e-crime and other online problems.

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