House of Commons · Westminster Hall
07 July 2026 · 3 other contributors · 3,888 words
Opened by Adam Dance Lib Dem Yeovil
Responding minister: Angela Eagle
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Adam Dance raised concerns about fraud strategy 2026-29 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP called for a meeting with the minister to discuss issues raised during the debate and asked if cases previously closed by Action Fraud could be reopened using new systems. He also questioned whether £250 million was sufficient funding for combating fraud and urged the Minister to commit to pushing Ofcom to prioritise enforcement against fraudulent social media advertising.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Fraud has escalated significantly, costing the UK economy over £1 billion annually. Adam Dance highlighted several incidents of fraud affecting his constituents: a small business scammed out of £3,000; an elderly mother defrauded by an estranged relative resulting in bailiff visits; and another constituent tricked into investing hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Member noted the rise to £1.2 billion in consumer losses in 2025, the highest in four years.
Congratulates the hon. Gentleman for securing this debate, highlights similar concerns about fraud impact on vulnerable people, and agrees with the expansion of the "Stop! Think Fraud" campaign.
Points out that Police Scotland and the Scottish Government have not opted to join the Report Fraud scheme, resulting in constituents missing out on benefits, and asks if they should make progress towards joining.
Warns against overreach in the anti-fraud strategy to avoid treating law-abiding citizens like criminals, stressing the importance of not letting the state force ordinary people to prove why they want to spend their own money.
Government Response
Angela EagleIt is a great pleasure to be in this Chamber with you in the Chair, Mrs Harris. I congratulate the hon. Member for Yeovil (Adam Dance) on securing the debate and thank him for outlining the difficulties constituents face due to advanced technology enabling frauds and scams from abroad. The Minister expresses empathy towards victims like Christopher and Jason who have suffered romance and financial fraud respectively. She notes that many victims feel embarrassed and do not know where to seek redress, highlighting how outdated current systems are in addressing modern fraud issues. Angela Eagle acknowledges the high volume and harm caused by fraud, which affects law-abiding individuals, businesses, mental health, the economy, resilience, and confidence in the rule of law. The Government's response includes a new £250 million strategy published in March 2026 that aims to disrupt criminals, safeguard people and businesses, respond strongly, protect victims, and enforce the law. The Minister introduces an online crime centre with over £30 million investment for collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement, GCHQ, and industry. She highlights victim support through expanded "Stop! Think Fraud" campaigns to increase public awareness and resilience against sophisticated fraud tactics. The Minister also discusses the importance of identifying technological enablers of fraud and addressing international elements with a focus on co-operation via initiatives like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and Interpol global fraud summit. The Government's strategy involves working closely with banks, telecoms companies, and big tech firms to combat fraud. The Minister commits to using data from Report Fraud to identify emerging trends and deliver targeted interventions. She also emphasizes the role of law enforcement in reducing fraud through coordinated prevention messaging and practical advice.