Project which helps fraud victims in Hertfordshire is nominated for national award

A unique project which ensures every fraud victim in Hertfordshire is offered support and advice, has been nominated for a national award.

The Beacon Fraud Hub, created and funded by the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, employs four specialists to tackle one of the highest crime types in the county.

Since it was set up in April 2019, the unit has contacted 8,000 fraud victims, and in the process have helped them recover £300,000.

Residents and businesses who have had money stolen by deception are telephoned and contacted in writing, in the first enhanced scheme of its type for victims in England and Wales.

Now the Fraud Hub, which is part of Hertfordshire’s victim care centre Beacon, have been shortlisted for Outstanding Customer Service in the Tackling Economic Crime Awards.

Praising the initiative, Mr Lloyd said: “Fraud is the crime that you are most likely to fall victim to in Hertfordshire. Almost everyone has experience of being contacted by phone or email by someone trying to scam them out of money.

“Everyone is a potential target, but sadly it is often the elderly and most vulnerable that hand over money to these very convincing and sophisticated criminals.

“Hertfordshire residents and business are currently the only ones in the country to be offered this extra service.

“It has proved to be successful and I would like to thank the team for all their hard work and wish them good luck for with this award.”

The Fraud Hub is based at the Beacon Victim Care Centre, in Welwyn Garden City. It includes professionals from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Victim Service Team and Catch22, the charity running Victim Care on behalf of the police and crime commissioner.

Each month the Fraud Hub are sent a list of every Hertfordshire resident who has reported a loss to Action Fraud.

Frauds include losing money through a trusted person, dodgy investments, pension theft, romance fraud, internet hacking or bogus telephone calls or letters.

Winners will be announced on December 9 at a virtual awards ceremony.