Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 35
The aftermath of a pension scam can leave a victim needing to deal with several...
Recommendation
The aftermath of a pension scam can leave a victim needing to deal with several different bodies without much guidance or support. For many victims Action Fraud is the first point of contact and for those for whom it is not, it should be. We recommend that Action Fraud should have a coordinating role for pension scam victims. Anyone who contacts Action Fraud should not be required to self-direct to other bodies which may be able to help them and instead Action Fraud should set up initial appointments for them. If a potential scam victim contacts a body other than Action Fraud their case should routinely be recorded with Action Fraud, which should signpost the relevant support available.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government acknowledges the need for improved coordination by stating Project Bloom is exploring options for industry intelligence sharing and reporting. However, it does not commit to Action Fraud taking a direct coordinating role for victims by setting up appointments or other bodies routinely recording cases with Action Fraud.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
35
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
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
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