Martin raised the issue of scamming during questions to the Home Department. He called on the Government to look at improving the performance of ActionFraud, which is the organisation responsible for taking initial reports of scams and for advising victims. The minister responsible for this issue, Ben Wallace MP, informed Martin that he has asked officials to look at how ActionFraud communicates with the public.
Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)
I am currently assisting a constituent who has been the victim of a fraudulent scam, losing over £30,000 of life savings. The case has been referred to ActionFraud. The Minister spoke earlier about an increase in referrals to ActionFraud, but it is results that matter. The cases I have dealt with show poor results. What action is being taken to ensure that ActionFraud improves its performance?
The Minister for Security (Mr Ben Wallace)
First, we are investing in a new software programme for ActionFraud that will not only improve the analytics of crimes that are reported to it, but allow victims of fraud to track their cases in live time online. In response to my hon. Friend’s concern, I have also asked officials to look into how ActionFraud communicates with members of the public. I think it important to remember that these are victims, many of whom have done nothing wrong whatsoever and have been preyed upon by some of the worst people in society.
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