Fraud Data Sharing Priority for Scotland

Whilst the rest of the UK awaits action from the Attorney General’s Fraud Review, Scotland is unlikely to benefit due to the difference in applicable law.

Where as England and Wales have seen the impact Fraud Act 2006 and The Serious Crime Act 2007, Scotland is unable to use these to their full extent. This is partly because Scotland deals with fraud under common law, whereas it is governed by statute law in England and Wales.

The fear is that whilst the rest of the UK tightens its fraud prevention measures, Scotland will be left more vulnerable. In Scotland Fraud is estimated to cost £11.5 million or a cost to each citizen of £330 per year.

The HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland has published its summary of recommendations aimed at strengthening Scotland’s approach to fraud.

The report sets out a number of recommendations with fraud data sharing highlighted as a priority; with the intention to use fraud data sharing and matching to create further fraud intervention and detection.

The report also highlights the need to create a joined up approach to fraud prevention, including the need to work with other UK agencies. The whole report can be viewed here. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/05/09105454/1