Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Paragraph: 20
We recommend that Project Bloom, the multi-agency taskforce set up to tackle pension scams, should...
Recommendation
We recommend that Project Bloom, the multi-agency taskforce set up to tackle pension scams, should develop a range of measures to enable a better understanding of the scale of pension scamming, rather than relying solely on the current Action Fraud data. The lack of a definitive measure of the scale of pension scams makes it difficult for both the public and policy makers to make an appropriate judgement about the priority that should be given to tackling pension scams and the resources they should deploy.
Paragraph Reference:
20
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Action Fraud is the national reporting service for fraud and cybercrime. Reports are submitted, considered by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, and disseminated to forces for investigation where there is a viable line of enquiry. These reports come direct from individuals and, in line with the recommendation, through other related bodies including the Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System (CIFAS) and UK Finance. Where required, as well as assessing the case for possible police investigation, Action Fraud also directs victims to specialist organisations where additional support can be provided. These referrals are made twice each week, so victims are usually referred days after the event. For pension-related fraud, this referral process can include reporting to the Financial Conduct Authority through their ScamSmart campaign, or signposting to the Money and Pensions Service. This ensures that the victims receive the best support available. At this stage we do not believe it appropriate for Action Fraud to take a role in individually setting up appointments with related bodies for victims of pension related fraud. Action Fraud is a victim support service and reporting tool, and though it plays a key role in referring victims to specialist support, it is not intended to, nor does it have capacity to, play an administrative role in organising meetings with external organisations. Responses to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2019–21 9