Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person. Cyber crime is any criminal act dealing with computers and networks.
There are many words used to describe fraud: Scam, con, swindle, extortion, sham, double-cross, hoax, cheat, ploy, ruse, hoodwink, confidence trick.
These are just a few words you might hear in relation to fraud. Fraud can be committed against individuals or businesses. Have a look in our A-Z of fraud for information about different types of fraud.
Cyber crime is any criminal act dealing with computers and networks (called hacking). Additionally, cyber crime also includes traditional crimes conducted through the Internet.
Facts about fraud and cyber crime
The Annual Fraud Indicator 2017 estimates the cost of fraud to the UK is £190bn a year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) say that people are more likely to fall victim to fraud or cyber offences above any other crime.
Between October 2017 and March 2018 there were:
332,570 crimes were reported to Action Fraud.
£706 million lost by victims.
62% of reports were from businesses and 39% from individuals.
