Alarming estimates.
There were an estimated 3.8 million fraud and 2.0 million computer misuse offences in England and Wales in the year to March 2016.
The figures were released yesterday in the latest Crime Survey for England Wales. They are a new addition to the survey and account for as many offences as all other crime categories put together.
The Office for National Statistics said it wasn’t correct to conclude (with some media) that crime had doubled because fraud and computer crime hadn’t been covered before.
The news is alarming nonetheless. It shows why Scams Awareness Month promoted by Citizens Advice and Trading Standards is so important.