PCC response to HMICFRS Fraud: Time to Choose inspection

2 Apr 2019

Responding to the HMICFRS "Fraud: Time to Choose" inspection, Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said: "Fraud can have a really detrimental effect on its victims as well as severe implications, both financial and emotional.

"It's seems clear from this thematic inspection across England and Wales that tackling these often complex issues requires better national and regional solutions, including appropriate resources allocated to police forces and regions from Government if responses are to improve in line with public expectations.

"Fraud is an important issue and I have been working closely with West Yorkshire Police and key partners to help tackle and prevent it and the volumes are growing.

"We already have a number on-going initiatives in the County including the West Yorkshire Financial Exploitation and Abuse Team (WYFEAT) which I have jointly funded for last couple of years. This team is made up of co-located specialists from West Yorkshire Police, adult social care and Trading Standards, who investigate financial exploitation and abuse of vulnerable and older victims.

"Additionally I am supporting the National Trading Standards' Friends Against Scams campaign and became a SCAMbassador last year. This role aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering communities. In this vain I have also been promoting the Scam Marshal role where members of the public can sign up to fight scam mail. You can find out more about how to prevent fraud on the Friends Against Scams website www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk.

"I would also encourage any victims of fraud that need help to get in touch with Victim Support on 0300 303 1971 or by visiting their website."