MIAA supporting International Fraud Awareness Week

Fraud is the most common crime on the planet and the one we all are most at risk from. This year International Fraud Awareness Week takes place between 13-19 November. It is an annual global campaign to promote anti-fraud awareness and education.

This year, the NHS is under more pressure than ever to treat patients, save lives, and save money. Healthcare expenditure in 2021 was estimated at £277 billion and remains a target for fraudsters. 

Paul Bell, Senior Anti-Fraud Manager, explained: “The NHS Counter Fraud Authority estimates that the NHS is vulnerable to £1.264 billion worth of fraud each year. Fraud is an often unseen and underestimated problem, and it takes money away from critical services on which the public rely.”

Fraud is deception carried out for personal gain, usually for money. Fraud can also involve the abuse of a position of trust. By ‘NHS fraud’ we mean any fraud where the NHS is the victim.

Fraud can be committed by anyone; patients who should be paying for their prescribed drugs; staff and contractors who have submitted timesheets or invoices for work that they haven’t done; external fraudsters who attempt to commit bank mandate fraud by pretending to be a genuine supplier and then deceive the NHS organisation into paying invoices into an account controlled by the fraudster. 

Everyone has a part to play in fighting fraud. It is important to understand the risks so that you know what to look for and how to report your suspicions.

Everyone has a part to play in fighting fraud. Being aware of the risk and remaining vigilant are the most important first steps, followed by knowing how to report fraud.

You can report concerns to NHSCFA at cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud or by calling 0800 028 4060 (available 24 hours). All reports are treated in confidence, and you have the option to report anonymously.