Scams: The fraud landscape on macro and micro levels. 

If you’re the victim of an online or telephone scam in the UK, it can often feel as if you are on your own. The police rarely investigate, so justice is rarely achieved through the Police and CPS, and recompense seems like it can only be achieved through banks rather than any criminal process. Even the Contingent Reimbursement Scheme imposes limits on the circumstances in which banks must re-imburse victims of fraud, carried out through the banking system. 

Limited support for victims of scams:

Scam victims will be told to report the crime to Action Fraud, which in reality is a collator of crime statistics rather than a crime solver. 

Whilst this results in huge frustrations for scam victims, the reality of the situation is that the police have nowhere near sufficient resource to investigate individual scams that occur in epidemic numbers. And whilst the crimes themselves may seem crude, to track down perpetrators on a case-by-case basis, requires a type of international and patient response that police resources do not allow for. 

The Need for a Systemic, International Response

It is logical that the systemic and international nature of online fraud requires a systemic and international response. The latest incarnation of Interpol’s Operation First Light occurred in June of this year, resulting in the freezing of 6,745 bank accounts, the seizing of assets totalling USD 257 million, as well as the arrest of 3,950 suspects and identification of a further 14,643 suspects. The bare numbers are impressive. This global, police operation spanned 61 countries. 

Operation First Light: Interpol’s Coordinated Approach

Operation First Light commenced in 2014 with the aim of bolstering cooperation and intensifying efforts by member countries in fighting social engineering and telecom fraud. Over subsequent years it has conducted a number of wide-reaching global operations aimed at disrupting live scam operations, seizing assets and arresting perpetrators. It represents one of the front runners for tackling the organised crime groups that run scam operations.  

The Limitations of International Operations in Combatting Scams

Whilst any international effort must be welcome – those facilitating scams must feel like they are in jeopardy – it still only scratches the surface. And whilst the arrest figures seem impressive it is much harder to find information about resulting prosecutions. Interpol do not gather information about resulting prosecutions – this falls to the national authorities and it is almost impossible to find information about convictions that stemmed from Operation First Light. Interpol should follow through, collate and make this information accessible otherwise the role that Operation First Light plays in deterrence is greatly diminished. 

The Shift to Personal Responsibility and Prevention

For an individual who has been a scam victim, grandiose reports of international scam busting must feel like a world away. Many are left hoping that the person who scammed you will somehow, and in some way, have justice reaped upon them. And while the internet continues to work in a way that allows fraudsters to hide their true identity and location from prospective victims, one has to believe that preventing scams will always be more effective than detecting scams. Increasingly it is falling to the individual to protect themselves. In a world where technology is spiralling faster than many can keep up with, self-preservation unfortunately comes down to one simple mantra: trust no-one. 

Immediate Steps for Scam Victims: Act Quickly for Results

If you’re a victim of a scam, it often pays to act quickly. Our specialist lawyers and investigators can work with financial institutions to trace and freeze assets, including crypto assets. They work with you to build a prosecution case, if you wish to see the wrongdoers face justice.

So, whilst it may seem like you are on your own after being the victim of a scam, you’re not. Whilst Operation First Light makes some inroads internationally, you’re not just reliant on the Police and CPS in this country, and may have other options worth investigating. 

Mike Jackson – October 2024.