Vulnerable victims and the Victims' Code

The Victims’ Code recognises that victims and witnesses should be at the heart of the criminal justice system.

Action Fraud exists to ensure that victims of fraud have a central place to go to in order to report crime and get advice and support. We are committed to providing the best service possible to victims of fraud and those who need advice.

Our partnership with the charity Victim Support is central to this commitment and this is why everyone who reports a fraud to us has the option to receive support from the charity afterwards.

The Victims’ Code also makes an enhanced service available to vulnerable victims. Under the code, a vulnerable victim is classified as:

• anyone under the age of 17 at the time of the offence
• anyone who is suffering from a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983
• those with a significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning
• those with a physical disability or who suffer from a mental disorder.

If you want to contact Action Fraud on behalf of a vulnerable victim, we will provide an enhanced service to help. Please make it clear that you are contacting us on behalf of a vulnerable victim.