Scams and fraud cost Sussex businesses £36 million in a year

Scams and fraud cost people and businesses across Sussex £36 million during the 2023/24 financial year, making it the 11th highest total in the country, according to police.

The figures were presented by Chief Constable Jo Shiner during a performance and accountability meeting with Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne. She warned the true scale of fraud is likely to be significantly greater, as only 14 per cent of incidents are officially reported. Many low-value scams, such as receiving nothing after buying online, often go unreported due to embarrassment.

Chief Constable Shiner urged victims to report incidents to Action Fraud to help tackle organised crime groups behind many scams. Sussex Police dealt with 5.7 Action Fraud cases per 1,000 people in 2023/24, slightly above the national average. However, she acknowledged that bringing fraudsters to justice remains difficult, with investigations often taking years to conclude. Reports can be made at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.