Online fraud is a significant threat to individuals and businesses alike with fraud being the most common crime in the UK, accounting for 40% of all crime in England and Wales. In 2022, one in seventeen reported being a victim of fraud with over three million incidents of fraud recorded.
UK Government have joined forces with some of the world’s largest tech organisations who pledge to take action to remove and block fraudulent content from their websites. These actions include verifying new advertisers and increased levels of verification. Companies such as eBay, Google, Amazon, Instagram, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube have committed to the Online Fraud Charter which is the first agreement of its kind in the world which is a voluntary agreenment for these companies to reduce fraud on their platforms and services.
Temporary Assistant Commissioner Nik Adams, from City of London Police, said:
“As the national lead police force for fraud, we welcome the Online Fraud Charter.”
“This charter goes further in supporting a whole system approach to effectively tackle fraud, by establishing a network of major online companies to join with law enforcement in helping to protect the public from criminals who would exploit them.”
“This charter has measures that will empower the public and increase their confidence in using online platforms, knowing that tech companies and policing are working to help keep them safe.”
This agreement is testament to the power of collaboration within the UK ecosystem and by uniting against criminals committing fraud, will take a significant step towards securing our digital future and building a safer and more resilient online landscape.
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The NEBRC is a Police led non-profit organisation that seeks to educate, inform, and support businesses across the UK on how to protect their business online through good cyber security practices.