We want as many people in Essex to share their experiences of fraud.
This is because new data shows a 6.1% increase of fraud in Essex in the last year. This represents 9,604 offences and £68.5 million in lost money.
A lot of residents feel worried about reporting fraud. According to Essex Police, many people experience some type of fraud at least once a month but do not report it.
The Multi Agency Approach to Fraud (MAAF) has launched a new survey to help focus resources and stamp out fraud.
The MAAF is made up of different agencies, including:
- Essex County Council
- Essex Police
- Essex Trading Standards
- Victim Support
- The Police Fire and Crime Commissioner
You can fill out the anonymous survey on our website from now until 8 June 2025.
If you have been a victim or fraud, or would like to find out more, visit Action Fraud and Essex Police.
Councillor Mark Durham, who oversees Essex Trading Standards, said: “Fraudsters are always looking at new ways to scam people to a point where it’s not always immediately clear when you’ve been a victim. This can make fraud a difficult crime to combat and means we have to constantly evolve our tactics. However, if enough people come forward and engage with our anonymous survey, we can get a better understanding of the issues faced and start stamping out what has become a rampant issue across the UK.”