Charity Fraud in UK. In supplementing traditional fraud protection resources, charity fraud specialists/lawyers/ solicitors Edmonds Marshall McMahon are instructed by charities to implement an effective private prosecution strategy to ensure those who engage in charity fraud are held accountable in the criminal courts. We also advise on counter fraud models that help minimise the risk of becoming a victim of such frauds.
We understand that charities help the most vulnerable in our society principally from the money received through fundraisers. Those who choose to steal donations manipulate the generosity of donors and breach the considerable trust placed in them by charities and the public. It is for this reason that there is a heightened public interest in ensuring charity fraudsters are brought to justice.
There are a number of ways in which charities are defrauded:
| Donation Fraud | Alleged supporters of your charity offer to carry out charitable fundraising events but instead of paying over their donation receipts, the fraudster keeps the money for themselves. |
| Procurement Fraud | You purchase goods or services and once the payment has been made, no products are delivered, or the products do not meet required standards. |
| Mandate Fraud | A charity employee receives an email purporting to be from a legitimate company providing services for the charity. The email asks that future payments be made to an alternative bank account, which, unbeknown to you, is controlled by the fraudster. Always be cautious if you are asked to make changes to bank details or make payments to a new account, even if the bank details appear to be on a genuine invoice. Consult your counter fraud department immediately and follow your charity’s validation procedures. |
| Scam emails (‘phishing’) | A fraudster claims to be from a legitimate organisation and provides information of assistance to you. Your employee clicks the link provided and your systems are compromised. |
We understand the sensitivity, reputational concerns and importance of the work charities do. We will work closely with you to ensure that we understand your culture, brand and strategy before commencing a prosecution; and to ensure that the deterrent message sent to criminals by a private prosecution is carefully and effectively controlled.
We understand that being the victim of a fraud can often cause embarrassment that leads both individual and company victims to batten the hatches and not report the crime. Whatever the fraud, please talk to us, free of charge, so we can advise on what is possible. We are specialist prosecutors and we have the experience, knowledge and resources that can make the difference between recovering some, or all, of your money. You are probably not the only victim, we would like to help ensure that you are the last.
