Maria has welcomed the introduction of Action Fraud – a national service for reporting incidents of fraud and financially motivated internet crime.

For the first time there will be a single point of contact for the collection of fraud and internet fraud reports. Action Fraud’s staff are trained in identifying the many types of fraud reported and whilst taking a victim’s report, they will also provide advice to reduce the risk of victims falling prey to fraudsters again.

Maria said “Each year mass marketing scams cause approximately £3.5 billion worth of detriment to 3.2 million UK consumers. In Hampshire alone the Metropolitan Police have identified 1500 scam victims.

The loss to individuals can be significant with even experienced investors being duped into parting with large sums of money. But anyone of any age and background can be defrauded, with devastating consequences. Research has found that scams cause psychological, as well as financial harm to victims.

Action Fraud is a great service offering a single point of contact for the collection of fraud and internet fraud reports where all victims will receive the same high standard of service.”

Both the public and businesses can report fraud direct to Action Fraud, the national reporting service by telephoning 0300 123 2040 (local call rates apply) between 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm at weekends, or through the internet at www.actionfraud.police.uk 24 hours a day