Reported fraud doubles in 2023, BDO finds

The value of reported UK fraud hit £2.3bn in 2023, more than double the £1.1bn recorded in 2022, according to BDO. This was the second largest annual fraud value recorded by the firm in 20 years. 

However, BDO warned the true level of fraud is likely to be “significantly higher” as some organisations choose not to report the frauds they suffer. The latest Crime Survey for England and Wales revealed that fewer than one in seven fraud offences are reported to the police.

While the number of high value cases (over £50m) in BDO’s FraudTrack report increased by 60% in 2023, the total number of reported cases rose by 18% to a three-year high.

The factors behind the rise include the large increase in online scams, phishing and system breaches, and huge spikes in Authorised Push Payment (APP) transactions when fraudsters trick the unwary into transferring money to them. 

There was also a rise in online fraud factories or cyberfraud centres, with reports of “hundreds of thousands” of individuals being trafficked to work for crime syndicates. 

Looking back at the 10-year trend of data, the report identifies that not only are the number of reported cases of fraud rising, but the amounts involved are also getting bigger. 

BDO warned that this trend is likely to continue as new fraud-enabling technology and AI present new opportunities for fraudsters.

Kaley Crossthwaite, BDO forensic partner, said: “We are not surprised by this increase in reported fraud numbers which is consistent with the surge in frauds that our forensic investigations teams are seeing on the ground.

“Many people choose not to report fraud because of shame or embarrassment. Businesses are also reticent about coming forward because of fears around negative publicity, reputational damage, and a lack of faith that the authorities will take action.”

She added: “While we hope the introduction of the Government’s Online Fraud Charter will encourage the technology sector to narrow the opportunities for online fraud, the sad reality is that the fraudsters will be looking to stay one step ahead by exploiting new options like AI.

“All businesses are at risk, and many need to take urgent action to bolster their defences against fraud and financial crime. The ‘failure to prevent fraud’ offence introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 may just provide the extra incentive to do so.”