Latest News

Opportunity for interview training in Dorset

Dorset Chamber of Commerce (Dorset Business) are holding a two day taining event for anyone involved with fraud or disciplinary interviews. For further details the link is: http://www.dorsetbusiness.net/event_docs/212.pdf

FSB lobbies the Government to support the SWFF

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) an organisation representing 210,000 businesses has produced a document in which it is urging the government to act against business crime. Among the 10 key recommendations it states - 'The Government should give greater support to regional Business Crime and Fraud Forums emerging across the country'. The FSB is represented on the SWFF Steering Group and the SWFF is represented on the Project Management Board of the proposed Business Crime SW Forum (BCSW) alongside the FSB and others. So things are gradually being brought together in a joined up approach against fraud.

Joint event successful at Almondsbury

The joint SWFF - ICM event at Almondsbury Interchange Hotel on the 6th March 2008 proved very successful. Members of the SWFF Steering Group supported chairman Adrian Maxwell in his informative presentation on the wide ranging implications of the new Money Laundering Regulations 2007. It is hoped to repeat this event in the near future in Cheltenham, with the kind sponsorship of the ICM, and possibly at other venues around the SW region. Look out for these on the Events page.

Latest Fraud Trends from CIFAS

CIFAS the UK's Fraud Prevention Service has just published their analysis of fraud in the UK for the year ending 31 December 2007. 
The report states that overall the number of fraud cases recorded by CIFAS Members in 2007 was 185,003 an increase of 7.88% from 2006.
Succesful identity fraud has decreased from 67,406 in 2006 by 3.5% as has the number of attempts. The top three stolen or false documents used in identity fraud were non-UK passports, followed by utility bills and then UK passports.
The most frequent lie on application forms for finance, insurance etc. during 2007 was where applicants failed to mention a previous address where his or her credit history had been impaired.
An increase of 34% was recorded of Facility Takeovers (or account takeovers) when the fraudster impersonates a victim in order to 'take over' and control one or more of the victim's accounts. This increase may be  in part the result of online 'phishing' to obtain personal data, e.g. credit card numbers etc.

SCAM ALERT

SWFF has been informed of a Construction Magazine Advertising Scam.  A bogus advertising operation targeting sub-contractors in the construction industry has been revealed whereby calls are made to site managers and surveyors claiming to be on behalf of  main contractors and property developers requesting contact details for local authorities. Once received the sub-contractors are contacted claiming that they have been highlighted as a preferred sub-contractor and asked to take out advertising in a magazine or brochure supporting the main contractor. These magazines are produced to appease the advertisers but have NO DISTRIBUTION. It has been advised that correspondence from ORACLE MEDIA SOLUTIONS Ltd of BOLTON be avoided and that if approached independent verification with the main contractor is advisable. If it is not authorised DO NOT SIGN A CONTRACT OR TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

ICM and SWFF join forces for a Fraud Awareness Evening

The Intitute of Credit Management, Bristol and Somerset branch are sponsoring a SWFF Event at Almondsbury Interchange Hotel near junction 16 of the M5 on the 6th March 2008. All SWFF Members are invited to a free buffet meal and presentation on the theme of Fraud and Money Laundering. See the Events Page for more information.

New Membership Year for SWFF - 2007/08

The coming SWFF Membership Year from 1 April 2007 will prove to be a significant one for everyone working in the South West likely to be affected by fraud and some particular organisations covered by the new money laundering regulations e.g. Housing Associations and Local Authorities. Add in the implications of the Government Fraud Review and the radical changes in policing fraud envisaged, the increase in cheque and bankers draft fraud because of chip and pin and the impact of fraud on Small Businesses in the South West and the mixture is complete for a number of workshops, masterclasses and seminars across the region. See the events Page for more details.

SWFF Business Crime Seminar at Taunton

An early evening seminar on cheque fraud against small businesses will be held at the offices of Milsted Langdon at Taunton on Thursday 22nd March 2007 (Location is Winchester House, Deane Gate Avenue, Taunton just off Junction 25 of the M5 - arrival  from 5pm for 5.30 pm start concluding at 6.30 pm.
Detective Inspector Richard Budd,head of the Avon & Somerset Constabulary Fraud and Financial Investigation Unit, will speak about the return of cheque fraud against small businesses in the region since the inception of chip and pin cards.
ATTENDANCE at this seminar is FREE and is aimed at all SWFF Members, together with all Small Businesses in our Awareness of Business Crime Programme.
PLEASE BOOK EARLY using the Contacts Page as places are limited.

SWFF belongs to National Network

The South West Fraud Forum was heavily involved in the creation of the National Federation of Fraud Forums to link all the new regional forums at the recent NEFF Conference. SWFF Secretary Frank Waghorn spoke at the Conference and backed the establishment of a network proposed by the NEFF. More details will follow on the development of the NFFF.

SWFF Newsletter Issue 3 Now Available

The third edition of the South West Fraud Forum Newsletter is now available. You can read a copy by clicking on the link below (NB: requires Adobe Acrobat).

Investigative Interviewing Skills Training

The highly successful one-day Investigative Interviewing Skills Course delivered to over 100 NEFF members is going to be available to SWFF Members in the New Year at a premium price of £195 plus VAT per person. Check out the Events Page for more information..

AGM and Business Identity Theft Conference on 26th October 2006

The SWFF Secretary has been promoting the forthcoming event at The Exchange Conference Centre, Bridgwater on the 26th October 2006 on the BBC Somerset Sound Breakfast Show with presenter Adam Thomas.

Forthcoming SWFF Events

The first AGM of the SWFF, launched in 2005, will be held in Somerset on the 26th October 2006, please see the Events page for more details.
 
The SWFF is in talks with the Government Office For The South West (GOSW)  for sponsorship of  a Conference on Business Identity Theft to be held immediately after the AGM and for a series of Business Crime related Seminars around the region in the winter. More details to follow as this progresses.

SWFF Chairman appointed Fellow

Barrister and deputy district judge Adrian Maxwell,our current Chairman, was recently appointed a Fellow of the Security Institute (FSyI). The South West Fraud Forum congratulates him on this award and hopes that his invovement in both organisations will be mutually beneficial.

SWFF Newsletter Issue 2 Now Available

The second edition of the South West Fraud Forum Newsletter is now available. You can read a copy by clicking on the link below (NB: requires Adobe Acrobat).

Fraud Seminar in Bristol on the 10th August 2006

SWFF Member Bevan Brittan LLP, Solicitors of Bristol are kindly hosting an afternoon fraud seminar at their offices at 35 Colston Avenue on the 10th August - Free of Charge. See the Events page for details.

Business Crime Seminar held at Truro

The first of the two Business Crime Seminars sponsored by the GOSW in association with the West Cornwall Business Network was held at Alverton Manor, Truro on Thursday 23rd February 2006. Despite suffering from a depleted  audience caused by the influenza outbreak across Cornwall and the South West of England, those attending were made aware by the expert speakers of the effects of  internet scams on business and other important issues including fraud by employees. If members have not booked yet for the Bridgwater Business Crime Seminar on the 30th March 2006, please go to the Events page and book online.

SWFF Newsletter Launched

The first edition of the South West Fraud Forum Newsletter is now available. You can read a copy by clicking on the link below (NB: requires Adobe Acrobat).

Business Crime Seminars dates/venues are announced.

The Business Crime Seminars previously announced - will be held at:
1) Alverton Manor, Truro, Cornwall on Thursday 23 February 2006 (9.30 am registration for 10 am start - finish at 1.30 pm)
2) The Exchange Conference Theatre, Express Business Park, Bristol Road, Bridgwater, Somerset (A38 near Junction 23 M5) on Thursday 30 March 2006 (registration at 9 am for 10 am start - finish 1.30 pm)
The West Cornwall Business Network (WCBN) have kindly offered to jointly sponsor the events with the Government Office For The South West (GOSW)

GOSW Sponsors SWFF Business Crime Seminars

The SWFF has made a significant breakthrough in its development. Following their involvement on the Steering Group the Government Office For The South West has kindly offered sponsorship of two seminars on the topic of fraud related Business Crime to be held at venues in Cornwall and Somerset in late February and March respectively. Please look out for further details of these forthcoming events on this website. SWFF Corporate Members will be circulated with details in the near future.

SWFF Modular Training Programme is Postponed

The SWFF Modular Training Programme for members due to take place over a period of six months starting on Wednesday 12th of October 2005 at Taunton has been delayed. As there was an insufficient number of members signed up to start the Programme to make it viable - bearing in mind we are a not for profit organisation run for the benefit of the membership and must be careful to operate in a business like way - officers of the Steering Group decided to canvas the Membership to identify fraud awareness needs before embarking on the Programme possibly early in the New Year.

National Fraud Experts talk of Identity Crisis

A series of expert speakers from public and private organisations told an audience of over fifty SWFF members of the very serious problem of Identity Theft burgeoning in the UK and gave practical advice on how to combat it. The speakers from various disciplines within the public and private sectors raised the awareness of  members of how easy it is to steal someone's identity, whether alive or dead, and perpetrate fraud, in some cases underpinning organised crime and terrorism.

New Chairman of the SWFF elected

Barrister Adrian Maxwell has been elected unanimously by the SWFF Steering Group to replace Allen Silcock, the inaugural Chairman, who has stepped down following the merger of the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and the resultant reorganisation of his department. We wish Allen every succes for the future and offer our grateful thanks for his support of the Forum and we congratulate Adrian on his appointment. Other changes in the membership of the Steering Group will be announced following the next meeting in late September.

Combat Fraud with the NEFF 10 Point Plan

Follow the 10 Point Plan to Combat Economic Crime:

1. Have in place an anti-fraud policy which is easy to understand and circulated throughout all employees of your organisation. Maintain a momentum.

2. Have a nominated team within your organisation which is responsible for all fraud issues, risk management and investigations.

3. Promote systems within your organisation to detect fraud.

4. Adopt appropriate controls and have in place a fraud response plan.

5. Consider fraud as a business risk, take it seriously. Focus on prevention.

6. Provide fraud awareness training for all ensuring an alertness to the indicators of fraud.

7. Install an effective 'whistleblowing' policy. Reward efficiency and reduction in losses.

8. Don't recruit fraudsters in the first place; know your customer/client/employee.

9. Involve and seek advice from your Economic Crime Unit right from the outset or detection of a fraud.

10. Be tough, punish offenders.

Identity Theft Conference to be hosted by SWFF

The SWFF is holding a fraud conference on the topic of Identity Theft at the Explore Building @Bristol on the 14th September 2005  the special offer for new members (£100 including free membership) is 'best value' for money'- join now to take advantage and see the Events page for more details.

SWFF has a good innings at a successful Launch

The official launch of the South West Fraud Forum took place at the Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton on Friday 22nd April it was well attended by sixty people representing a wide variety of organisations, nearly all of which had signed up as Corporate Members. The speakers (see the Events Page) lent their support admirably and special thanks are due to SWFF Vice Chairman Martin Willey (Dept for Work & Pensions, Plymouth) who stepped in at late notice to chair the event very capably.

The following organisations attended the Launch and the number of Corporate Membership now stands at: 

                            91   (09/09/05)

Lloyds TSB Bank - RSM Robson Rhodes
Avon & Somerset Constabulary - Dept Work & Pensions
Gloucestershire Constabulary - Foot Anstey Solicitors
National Crime Squad - HSBC
RBS Creditcard - Law Society
Cameron McKenna Solicitors - KPMG
MOD Police - Bisio Legal & Dev Serv
Western Circuit Bar Assoc - Cheltenham & Gloucs
Exeter City Council - Dorset Police
Restormel Boro Council - Bevan Britten Solicitors
SW Inst of Credit Management - Somerset CC
Bristol Chamber of Commerce - Portman Build Soc
Wiltshire Police - Axa Sun Life
Rolls Royce - Taunton Deane BC
Burges Salmon Solicitors - Bristol City Council
Bath & North East Council - Penwith Dist Council
National Assoc of Local Councils - Stroud Dist Council
NHS Counter Fraud Services - Gloucestershire CC
Dorset Chamb Commerce - Kelcey & Hall Solicitors
Solomon Hare Chart Accountants - Bentley Jenison
Devon County Council - Westlea Housing Assoc
Charity Commission - RBS Group
St John's Chambers Barristers - Plymouth CC
Outer Temple Chambers - Devon & Cornwall Constab

OFT launches scams awareness month

At the launch of a month-long campaign, the OFT identifies the top ten scams targeted at UK consumers to alert the public to the swindles that may part them from their money.

Please click on the link below for further information

A helping hand from our friends

The South West Fraud Forum was pleased and grateful to receive financial assistance from the North East Fraud Forum and the Association of Chief Police Officers National Working Group on Fraud in setting up the Forum in our region.