The police’s lack of action against scammers and fraudsters is a major problem that puts the public at risk. This is according to Judge Clare Montgomery. In a recent podcast she stated that the authorities do not investigate “99%” of crimes committed. With even fewer cases going to prosecution. According to Montgomery, this trend of neglect towards prosecuting fraud has been ongoing since the 1990s.
Facing Consequences
The consequences of the police’s lack of interest in prosecuting fraudsters go beyond just financial losses. Victims of fraud often suffer from significant emotional distress, including feelings of betrayal, shame, and anxiety. In addition, the process of trying to recoup their losses and seeking justice can be emotionally taxing and time-consuming. This is particularly true for those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer and must navigate the legal system independently.
When the police fail to act, it conveys the message that authorities do not seriously address fraud and that they will not hold perpetrators accountable. This perception can embolden more individuals to commit fraud, knowing the risk of apprehension is low.
In addition, when fraud goes unpunished, it can create a sense of lawlessness and undermine trust in the justice system. This can further discourage victims from reporting fraud and make it harder for law enforcement to identify and prosecute these crimes.
Tackling Fraudsters
The UK government needs to take this issue seriously. To do this it must it provide the necessary resources and support to the police to prosecute fraud cases effectively. This includes training and specialised units focused on tackling fraud and greater collaboration with private sector organisations with expertise in this area.
In addition to these measures, raising awareness about the risks of fraud and how to protect oneself is also important. This should involve educating the public about common scams and providing information on how to spot and report suspicious activity. Taking these steps will help us create a society that does not tolerate fraud and offers better protection to the public.
