The ‘fraud justice network’ and the infra-structure of support for individual fraud victims in England and Wales

Abstract

This article explores the infra-structure of support for victims of fraud in England and Wales using a new model for examining support through what the authors call a ‘fraud justice network’, which acknowledges the multiple state and private systems of justice alongside the criminal justice system that fraud victims interact with. Using evidence from interviews with victims the article explores the different levels of support for fraud victims at the reporting, reported and criminal justice stage and how the different systems within the ‘fraud justice network’ impact upon this. Finally the article briefly assesses Action Fraud which has been launched by the National Fraud Authority as a means of addressing some of the gaps in support for victims.