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What is fraud and cyber crime?

Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person. Cyber crime is any criminal act dealing with computers and networks.

Online hacking

There are many words used to describe fraud: Scam, con, swindle, extortion, sham, double-cross, hoax, cheat, ploy, ruse, hoodwink, confidence trick.

These are just a few words you might hear in relation to fraud. Fraud can be committed against individuals or businesses. Have a look in our A-Z of fraud for information about different types of fraud.

Cyber crime is any criminal act dealing with computers and networks (called hacking). Additionally, cyber crime also includes traditional crimes conducted through the Internet.

Facts about fraud and cyber crime ​

The 2019 Financial Cost of Fraud report estimates the cost of fraud to the UK is between £130bn - £190bn a year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) say that people are more likely to fall victim to fraud or cyber offences above any other crime.

Between April 2018 and March 2019 there were:

  • 741,123  crimes were reported to Action Fraud. 

  • £2.2bn lost by victims.

  • 65% of reports were from businesses and 35% from individuals. 

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