Agenda item

(To receive a report from Vicky Salmon, Community Safety Strategy Co-ordinator, which provides the Committee with an update on the work taking place within Lincolnshire County Council to reduce the impact of fraud, as a host and contributing partner to the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership Crime and Disorder Priority Group)

SITTING AS THE CRIME AND DISORDER SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

Consideration was given to a report from Vicky Salmon, Community Safety Strategy Co-ordinator, which provided the Committee with an update on the work taking place within Lincolnshire County Council to reduce the impact of fraud, as a host and contributing partner to the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership Crime and Disorder Priority Group.

The Chairman invited Vicky Salmon, Community Safety Strategy Co-ordinator, to present the item to the Committee.

During the presentation, the Committee were made aware of:

·       Fraud being a priority for the Council and the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership (SLP);

·       Reference was made to the prevalence of fraud in Lincolnshire and to the fact there had been a 27% rise in fraud offences in the last year; 

·       The effect of fraud on vulnerable residents, reference was made to the Councils responsibilities under the Care Act to protect adults;

·       Technology advances that were transforming fraud, examples given were romance fraud perpetrated on social media or through dating apps and investment fraud committed through fake websites and cloned websites;

·       Prevention activity, it was noted that engagement had been made on social and traditional media, training had been provided to frontline staff, and officers had attended community events.  It was noted further that another key part of the Councils prevention activity was the partnership working with Lincolnshire Police in forming a Safter Together Partnership, and as part of that Partnership, a Fraud Prevention Officer had been appointed within Lincolnshire Police, and their job was to focus on prevention activity across the County, and complement the post hosted within the Council of a Scams Prevention and Intervention Officer; and

·       Partnership working arrangements in place to tackle fraud.  It was highlighted that partnership working was key, and that no one organisation could tackle fraud alone.  Reference was made to Lincolnshire being a founding partner in the pilot for the Home Office Multi-Agency approach to Fraud, which had led to the establishment of the SLP Fraud Core Priority Group, which comprised of a wide membership from a range of organisations.  It was highlighted that it was essential to make sure that victims of fraud received centred support, to help avoid repeat victimisation, but to also help support their health and wellbeing.  It was highlighted further that during the last year the Scams and Prevention Intervention Officer had supported 70 individuals who were considered the most vulnerable.

In conclusion, the Committee noted that the report demonstrated the Council’s contribution to the fraud agenda within the County and the steps being taken to keep vulnerable people safe.  Members of the Committee were encouraged to look at additional information on fraud and scams by completing the online learning course, and then ‘Take a Stand Against Scams’.

During discussion of this item, the Committee raised some of the following comments:

·       Clarification was given that the Fraud Prevention Officer within Lincolnshire Police, was responsible for delivering community based activity and training and that the figure for the number of training sessions provided could be made available to members of the Committee after the meeting.  It was noted that referral to the officer would be via action fraud referrals, Citizens Advice, Consumer Service, Adult Social Care etc.;

·       Circulation of the link for additional information concerning scams being circulated to members of the Committee;

·       A request was made for officers to involve town and parish councils in getting the message out regarding scams;

·       Personal experience regarding personal information being disclosed in a public setting.  The Assistant Director of Public Protection and Communities agreed to look into the matter after the meeting;

·       The need for legislation to stop personal data being sold;

·       Phone spoofing.  The Committee was advised that it was hard for organisations to legitimise themselves online and over phone calls.  An example given relating to an advertisement which advised that my bank will never ask you for your PIN number or date of birth; and that it was a real challenge to get those messages out to the public.  It was highlighted that the use of call blockers was needed to block those types of calls.  It was also highlighted that more education was needed to get messages out and that Councillors could assist with the flow of information;

·       Carelessness of organisations, which then enabled fraud to occur;

·       The number of fraud offences reported to Action Fraud (as shown on page 58 of the report).  The Committee was advised that there were multiple routes to reporting and that one of the things being looked at by officers was where people do report fraud and who they chose to report fraud to; and

·       Whether there were still concerns relating to cold callers reference was made to Nottingham Knockers and alleged fresh fish sellers.  The Committee was advised that there were still some sporadic reports, and that some action had been in the North East of the country.

The Chairman on behalf of the Committee extended his thanks to the presenters.

RESOLVED

That the report and presentation on tackling fraud, including its impact on vulnerable individuals be received and that the comments raised by the Committee be taken into consideration for continuing to effectively deliver the Partnership’s duties.