According the figures published by the National Fraud Authority earlier this year, fraud costs the UK £30 billion a year. Criminal gangs are becoming more sophisticated and creative in targeting businesses and individuals.
The Wales Fraud Forum will meet for the first time on 23rd April and will enable Welsh SMEs to hear from some of the UK’s leading experts in fraud prevention and detection.
Paula Thomas, head of computer science at the university, who has worked to set up the forum said, “Wales was one of the only regions in the UK not to have a forum of this kind, and it is very important as fraud is so costly to the economy that we come together and discuss these issues effecting businesses. As businesses and stakeholder organisations we can work together more effectively – sharing information and best practice, to help combat fraud.”
The Forum is open to anyone working in Wales who is interesting in discussing the ways that fraud does or might affect their business.
Alan Brown, chairman of the National Fraud Federation, commented, “The Fraud Forum concept emerged in 2003 with the establishment of the North East Fraud Forum and was rapidly developed into a Regional format following recognition as a "Best Practise" initiative by the Home Office.
“The threat we are facing is global and it is absolutely essential that we work to create an anti fraud culture with transparency of boundaries and borders, and that is why I am delighted to support the efforts to create a Welsh Fraud Forum, which can not only take forward the initiatives of the existing UK Fraud Forum participants, but also stimulate further impetus and innovation in the fight against the fraudster."
