Fraud forum launched as cases set to rise 25% over next three years
With fraud reports expected to increase by 25% by 2025, a new forum that will tackle fraud across the region has been launched.
The North West Fraud Forum (NWFF), which will bring together public and private sector fraud professionals to collectively fight fraud, was launched on Tuesday 23rd August.
Supported by the North West Regional Organized Crime Unit and sponsored by Barclays, the NWFF will be the only forum of its kind in the North West and will provide a useful platform for members to raise awareness of the latest types and trends of fraud, while promoting collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and best practices in order to better equip its members to fight against fraud and cybercrime.
Chaired by Claire Graham, a partner at UK law firm TLT LLP, the NWFF board will include a mix of public and private organizations who will bring their industry-specific knowledge to the forum to drive strategy and ensure that The NWFF serves the needs of its broad-based members from the public and private sectors.
The board is made up of members from; the North West Regional Organized Crime Unit, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the NAFN Data and Intelligence Services, the NHS Fraud Authority, the Insolvency Service, the government internal audit agency, Trading Standards, UK Finance, TLT Lawyers, Asset Reality, Eversheds Sutherland, Grant Thornton, Dains, Horwich Farrelly and Santander and supported by annual partner Barclays.
Throughout the year, the NWFF will host a series of events for its members to learn and network. These will include webinars, breakfast seminars, and networking get-togethers, culminating in the NWFF’s annual conference taking place on November 10, 2022.
Members will also benefit from regular fraud updates, news and alerts from its partners and a members-only website portal to share knowledge and invite discussion.
Detective Inspector Shifa Chowdhury Jones, of the North West Regional Organized Crime Unit and Honorary Chairman of the NWFF, said: “Fraud is the single largest type of crime in this country, accounting for 30 to 40% of all crimes.
“Fraud affects more people than any other type of crime and is also believed to be hugely underreported.
“Fraud reports are expected to increase by 25% by 2025, so it’s more important than ever for organizations to better equip themselves to fight fraud and it’s something the NWFF is committed to supporting.”
You can become a member now and join the North West Fraud Forum kick-off event, which will be a cybersecurity-themed webinar where cybercrime and the Dark Web will be discussed.
The event will take place on Thursday, September 29 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Membership details and more information can be found on the website: www.northwestfraudforum.co.uk
