More staff needed to stop fraud |
Britain is the card fraud capital of Europe, with European Central Bank data showing that the UK sees 134 card frauds per 1,000 population. This is more than other major economies, exceeding the levels seen in France (115), Spain (37), Italy (19) and Germany (15). Britons also suffer the highest value card fraud, with the cost of fraud per 1,000 people in the UK at £8,833.20, compared to France (£6,069), Spain (£2,377.45), Germany (£1,885.09) and Italy (£965.60). The Social Market Foundation (SMF), which analysed the data, is calling on the UK government to recruit more staff to stop fraud. SMF senior researcher Richard Hyde described Britain’s record on card fraud as “shocking,” adding: “Policymakers need to reflect further on why we're at this stage. Solving the crisis will take more than just increased police staff.” He said that while specialist staff “will certainly play a crucial role, the entire fraud law enforcement landscape needs an overhaul - with reforms that will transform the system and enact lasting change.” |
|