New data reveals fraud 'hotspots' in the UK

16 Jun 2017

New data collated by consumer group Which? has outlined fraud ‘hotspots’ around the UK.

Which? has created a map, pinpointing locations where certain types of fraud appear to be more prevalent.

The consumer body revealed that Norfolk is a hotspot for dating fraud, Dorset suffers the most computer virus, malware and spyware fraud and Warwickshire experiences the highest level of retail fraud.

London was revealed to be a hotspot for many types of fraud – Which? suggests that this may be because of its ‘large concentration of money and people’. Individuals residing in London are more at risk of falling victim to social media or email hacking, scam door-to-door sales, ticket fraud and mandate fraud.  

Gareth Shaw, money expert at Which?, said: ‘This research highlights how reported fraud in the UK is on the increase and the kinds of scams you are most likely to fall victim to will depend on where you live.

‘These criminals are constantly finding new ways to rip us off and those tackling fraud should be upping their game.

‘The government needs to set out an ambitious agenda to tackle fraud, while law enforcement agencies need to be working harder to identify and protect the people most at risk from fraud.’