Fraud has rapidly become the common crime in the UK and in 2021 it has showed no signs of slowing down.

According to UK Finance’s 2021 Half Year Fraud Report, the pandemic has seen an evolution in fraud as our lives become increasingly digitised. In the first half of this year, fraudsters stole £753.9 million – a staggering increase of over a quarter (30 per cent) in comparison to the first half of 2020.

Collaboratively, the banking and finance industry prevented a further £736 million from being stolen, but as fraudsters become increasingly sophisticated and look for new ways to target victims, it is essential that as individuals we are aware of how to spot a potential scam.

This International Fraud Awareness Week, Intelligencia Training are voicing the Metropolitan Police’s ‘Ten Golden Rules’ to prevent fraud.

1. Be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes
2. Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision
3. Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s
4. Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with
5. Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it
6. Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email
7. Don’t just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company’s success
8. Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment
9. If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help
10. Don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there’s no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you’ll make it more difficult for them to deceive others

You can read more advice at https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/prevent-personal-fraud/

Intelligencia Training is a specialist apprenticeship provider at the forefront of the UK’s fraud epidemic. Through the delivery of the Level 4 Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship Standard, Intelligencia continues to support learner cohorts from high-profile organisations, with an aim to allow for parity across sectors and comprehensive development of all knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with being an effective and competent Fraud Investigation professional.

Follow Intelligencia Training on Twitter and LinkedIn for more tips and guidance during International Fraud Awareness Week.

For apprenticeship information, visit https://www.intelligenciatraining.com/