Fraud in the UK is dramatically increasing. In 2007 more than £800 million worth of fraud was recorded in the UK - three-quarters of this in London and the South East. The biggest fraud theft comes from within businesses. Coupled with an estimated cost to industry of £10bn as a result of the Compensation Culture it is small wonder businesses feel constantly under threat.

Turning a "blind eye" to internal activity - such as bribery - engenders a culture that can allow a business to fall victim to fraud and, potentially, to be seen as a fraudster - a matter that can be a PR disaster and may damage a business dramatically. The Fraud Act 2006 states that fraud can be committed in one of three ways:

Fraud by false representation e.g. a person falsely representing a company or institution
Fraud by failing to disclose information e.g. an estate agent giving incorrect information on a property for personal gain
Fraud by abusing a position of trust e.g. an employee copying intellectual property for personal profit
Under the Act, there are various "new" offences, covering:

For practical assistance and consultation on this difficult issue contact us in the first instance either by email to info@answers.uk.com or by telephoning 01483 423900 and discussing the matter with our commercial team.