Earlier this week, the Government published its long-awaited Fraud Strategy, laying out its 2026-29 plans to combat fraud.

Responding to the new strategy, Wayne Stevens, National Fraud Lead at Victim Support, said:

“Fraud can be devastating for those who experience it. Victims are left not only with financial losses, but with life‑changing impacts on their health, wellbeing and basic sense of safety. It is a highly sophisticated crime, and anyone can become a victim. That is why it’s vital that the government’s fraud strategy – published this week – gets the response right.

“We welcome many of the measures that have been set out. National standards of victim care, the expansion of the national fraud awareness campaign, and the commitment to maintaining and reviewing reimbursement for victims are all positive and necessary steps.

“The proposed Victims’ Charter also holds promise and – if given real teeth – could deliver much-needed improvements for victims.

“However, the strategy falls short in its ambition to strengthen support for those affected. While the focus on prevention and disruption is important, actions to improve victims’ experiences have not been given equivalent weight. There is also too little recognition of the essential role that independent support services play in helping victims cope, rebuild their lives, and recover their money.

“It’s also disheartening that this strategy – unlike the previous one – sets no clear or measurable targets for reducing fraud. At a time when fraud is at epidemic levels, this is a serious missed opportunity. How can we be sure this strategy has delivered real change, and hold the government to account, without clear targets?

“Fraud now constitutes nearly half of all crime in England and Wales. To truly meet the scale of the challenge, the government must be far bolder and more ambitious. Victims deserve nothing less.”

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