The government’s new ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ campaign will make committing fraud more difficult and raise public awareness on fraud safety, MP Nigel Huddleston has said.

The Conservative MP for Mid Worcestershire welcomed the launch of the new initiative aimed at thwarting fraudsters nationwide.

The scheme will introduce stringent anti-fraud messaging, focusing on increasing public awareness about the threat of fraud and how to avoid it.

The campaign works alongside the law enforcement, and tech and banking entities such as Google, Barclays, and HSBC.

MP Huddleston said: "As a Local MP, I am made aware of fraud cases all too often.

"Only recently did I hear the story of a victim in my constituency who lost thousands of pounds to fraud; hard-earned money that was stolen by ruthless criminals.

"I therefore welcome the Government’s new ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ campaign, which will not only make committing fraud more difficult but also raise public awareness on fraud safety, allowing people to defend themselves and others.

"Fraud is an awful blight on our society and can ruin lives, and we must end it."

The campaign follows in line with the Government's long-term fraud strategy outlined by the Home Office in May 2023.

Comprising 52 actions, it targets to reduce fraud by 10 per cent by the end of this Parliament.

Official data show a decrease in fraud and computer misuse incidents in West Mercia by 12.7 per cent, dropping from 15,613 incidents to 13,627 in the past year and falling by 13 per cent across England and Wales overall.

Tom Tugendhat, security minister, said: "Fraud ruins lives.

"Following this advice will give people the best tips to stop fraudsters from stealing their hard-earned cash and point them towards all the help and information on offer.

"Our fraud strategy is successfully turning the tide against fraudsters.

"This new campaign will share the details we all need to defend ourselves and our friends".

Since 2019, the government has implemented long-term reforms to tackle the prevalent crime in England and Wales, including the creation of a national fraud squad with more than 400 private investigators, banning SIM farms used by criminals, and stopping cold calls for financial products.

The Government has also signed the world’s first online Fraud Charter with 12 tech corporations such as Amazon, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).