Publish date: 10 November 2025
Spotlight on Fraud Prevention: International Fraud Awareness Week 16 to 22 November 2025
International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW) is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about fraud and promoting ways to prevent it. This year, it runs from 16 to 22 November, and it's a great opportunity to highlight the importance of anti-fraud efforts across the NHS.
The NHS Counter Fraud Authority estimates that the NHS is vulnerable to £1.336 billion worth of fraud each year. That’s money meant for patient care being diverted into the hands of criminals.
Paul Bell, MIAA’s Head of Anti-Crime Services said:
“Focusing on raising awareness and fraud prevention are proven to be the best ways to reduce fraud and protect the NHS.”
Key messages:
• Be alert to cyber fraud and social engineering tactics. Fraudsters may impersonate senior staff (e.g. the CEO or Director of Finance) to pressure you into urgent financial actions or to part with information to help them commit fraud.
• Fraud now accounts for a significant percentage of reported crimes, with cyber-enabled frauds on the rise. This means that criminals use technology, such as the internet and social media, to commit their crimes.
• If you have concerns or suspicions, please report them via the NHS Fraud Reporting Hotline or speak confidentially with your Local Counter Fraud Specialist.
Let’s work together to protect NHS resources and ensure they’re used where they’re needed most — for patient care.
See our trust Counter Fraud pages for more information.
If you suspect something, report it. For more information, please visit cfa.nhs.uk
