Anti-scam campaigners have called for UK police forces to take a tougher stance on fraud as a result of a rise in the number of scam cases.

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that 2024 saw a 19% rise in fraud reports.

Campaigners are calling for UK law enforcement to collaborate with international counterparts in order to combat global scam networks exploiting cross-border vulnerabilities which leave consumers exposed.

The UK government recently announced that it will work on an expanded fraud strategy in response to the ONS’s latest data.

Commenting on the issue, Rocio Concha, Director of Policy at Which?, said: ‘Law enforcement has a crucial role to play in stopping the UK’s fraud epidemic and deterring scammers. But we also need stronger action from telecoms firms, banks and online platforms to prevent scams appearing in the first place.

‘Regulators must be empowered to impose financial penalties when firms fail to implement effective systems to protect consumers.’