What is fraud?

The act of 'fraud' was only really defined for the first time by the Fraud Act 2006 which came into force on 15th January 2007, but in reality it covers a whole range of activities such as deception, bribery, false accounting, false representation, theft, forgery, extortion, corruption, collusion, embezzlement and misappropriation.  It can be committed online, by e-mail, face to face, by post and by telephone.Under the Fraud Act 2006, there are tree main ways that fraud can be committed:-

• Fraud by false representation (Section 2)
• Fraud by failing to disclose information (Section 3)
• Fraud by abuse of position (Section 4) 

All require dishonesty and that by perpetrating the act, the individual or group intended to make a gain for themselves or another and/or subject another to a loss or expose another to a risk of loss.  There are also other sections in the act that cover the possession (Section 6) and supply (Section 7) of articles for use in fraud and for obtaining services dishonestly (Section 11).

Thinking about the services Harrow delivers an authority, there is the potential for any type of fraud to be committed by customers, contractors, employees or members so it is important that members of the public feel confident and comfortable in reporting fraud to the Council, knowing that it will be taken seriously.  There are some examples below in section 3.