Publish date: 7 November 2023
What is International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW)?
International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW) is a global event that is supported by organisations including the NHS.
What is NHS Fraud?
Fraud is deception carried out for personal gain, usually for money. Fraud can also involve the abuse of a position of trust. By ‘NHS fraud’ we mean any fraud where the NHS is the victim.
Sally Proffitt-, Associate Director of Finance and Counter Fraud Champion explained: “We estimate that the NHS is vulnerable to £1.264 billion worth of fraud each year. Fraud takes taxpayers' money away from patient care and puts into the hands of criminals.
While those who commit fraud against the NHS are a small minority, their actions have a serious impact on us all.”
Who commits NHS fraud?
Fraud can be committed by anyone; patients who should be paying for their prescribed drugs; staff and contractors who have submitted timesheets or invoices for work that they haven’t done; external fraudsters who attempt to commit bank mandate fraud by pretending to be a genuine supplier and then deceive the NHS organisation into paying invoices into an account controlled by the fraudster.
What can you do about fraud in the NHS?
Everyone has a part to play in fighting fraud. Being aware of the risk and remaining vigilant are the most important first steps, followed by knowing how to report fraud.
- Be vigilant and knowing how to spot fraud
- know how to report fraud if you suspect it
- Follow anti-fraud advice and help stop fraud from happening in the first place
How do you report your NHS fraud concerns?
Contact your Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) with as much information as possible via email Claire
The NHSCFA also have their own 24 hour hotline where anonymous referrals can be reported, these will then be forwarded to relevant LCFS. Reports of this nature can be made using 0800 082 4060 or www.cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud
MIAA Fraud team launch ‘Talking Fraud’ Podcast
The MIAA fraud team have launched their latest product, a fraud podcast. Designed to provide a light-hearted and informative view of fraud in the NHS and also the wider issues that can impact us all.
You can download the podcast from Spotify, Apple Music and all streaming platforms: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2080161/ or scan the QR code below.
