Press Release

17 November 2025

Council joins movement to shine a spotlight on fraud

Fareham Borough Council has joined hundreds of organisations who have partnered with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world's largest anti-fraud organisation and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education, for this year’s Fraud Awareness Week, from 16 to 22 November. 

During International Fraud Week, the Council will be communicating information about the risk of fraud, current scams and fraudulent activity, and the work that officers undertake to counter fraud. 

In 2024/25 the Council identified 204 separate cases of fraud, to the value of more than £160,000. The most common frauds currently impacting the Council are:

• Housing 
• Council Tax Support and Benefits
• Council Tax

Executive Member for Health and Public Protection, Cllr Joanne Burton, said:

“There has been a notable increase in fraud cases across the UK in the last year. Many of these scams are designed to exploit vulnerable members of our community, which is why we’re using International Fraud Awareness Week to highlight the risks and share vital information. I urge residents to visit our website to learn how to report fraud and play a part in protecting others across Fareham.”

ACFE president John Gill, J.D., CFE, added:

“Fraud is an issue that unfortunately affects people from all walks of life around the world and it takes many forms. Whether it’s a trusted employee stealing from a small business, or organised rings of fraudsters targeting seniors in our community, most people know someone who’s been victimised by fraud. That’s why it’s so important for organisations to join in this fight together to raise awareness during this week. It is a serious problem that requires a proactive approach toward preventing it and educating people is the first step.”

For more information about current scams and how to report fraud, please go to www.fareham.gov.uk/fraud.

For more information about increasing awareness and reducing the risk of fraud during International Fraud Awareness Week, visit FraudWeek.com. 

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

About the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners:

Based in Austin, Texas, the ACFE is the world's largest anti-fraud organisation and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education. Together with more than 95,000 members, the ACFE is reducing business fraud worldwide and inspiring public confidence in the integrity and objectivity within the profession. For more information, visit ACFE.com.

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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