The police, banking sector and local fraud specialists have come together to re-launch The South West Fraud Forum – an organisation dedicated to helping prevent businesses and individuals becoming victims of fraud.
Helen Gregory (pictured), Forensic Director at Milsted Langdon, is part of the steering group that has re-launched this initiative, which will hold its inaugural meeting on December 2. 
This webinar event will set out how SWFF can help businesses, as well as hearing from keynote speakers, including:
The organisation will be holding regular events each year to increase the resilience of regional organisations, in both the private and public sectors, against fraud.
SWFF brings together professional advisors, industry members, the Police and other governmental agencies in a single, formal body to support and learn from the South West’s business community.
Helen said: “Fraud costs the UK billions of pounds per year and is now believed to account for 40 per cent of all crime committed across the nation.
“Businesses, their owners and employers are a common target for fraudsters, and so we have re-launched SWFF to help combat fraud in the region and provide a supportive environment for companies to seek support and advice.”
Speaking about the upcoming event, Mark Shelford added: “One in ten people fall victim to fraud, and one in three become a repeat victim.
“It is because of such figures that I was inspired to take on the role of APCC lead for Economic and Cyber Crime because I feel that this is an area of work where I can make the most difference to the lives of residents of Avon and Somerset and beyond.
“I want to make sure that the profile type of this life-destroying crime is raised. We need to get a grip of it and protect vulnerable people from harm.”
To find out more about the event or to book a place, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-south-west-fraud-forum-launch-event-tickets-196546013417?aff=erelexpmlt.
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