Legal News

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have arrested two men in connection with European Distribution Fraud.

Action Fraud says that the arrests were in connection to a report made to the organisation.

European Distribution Fraud involves a manufacturer or supplier being targeted by fraudsters, who place a large order claiming to be from a large, well-known UK company.

The goods are sent to Britain – but the fraudster collects them and they are never paid for.

GMP made the arrests in the north of England on 9 January, after an operation between Action Fraud, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and the UK supply victims, from whom the fraudsters had ordered fresh food and alcohol claiming to be UK suppliers. Goods worth in excess of £1 million were ordered.

EDF cases can also involve hauliers, who are not aware they are employed by criminals – haulage companies then unwittingly transport the goods, sometimes incurring losses as the goods are not paid for.

Employees of haulage companies may also be facing risk of arrest for questioning by the police over the European distribution scams.

Action Fraud is calling on more companies caught out by EDF to report incidences to them.

The organisation has also drawn up a checklist for companies receiving large orders to be shipped to the UK – including checking documents for poor English spelling and grammar, using the Internet to find out if a company has been cloned previously to make fraudulent orders, and verifying authenticity of the order over the phone.

Companies can also verify bank details by phone – as well as checking delivery addresses are genuine.

Action Fraud is also warning that fraudsters are sending scam emails to Internet users or letters to home addresses, claiming to be from Action Fraud and targeting victims for fraud.

Anyone who receives a communication from Action Fraud is being asked to report any concerns at contact@actionfraud.police.uk.

Duncan Lewis Fraud Lawyers

Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge relating to fraud, including:

• Benefit fraud
• Bogus marriages
• Boiler room scams
• Company fraud
• Conveyancing fraud
• Credit card fraud
• European distribution fraud
• Financial fraud
• Housing fraud
• Identity fraud
• Immigration fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Motor insurance fraud
• Online fraud
• Ponzi schemes
• Relationship fraud
• Ticketing fraud
• Visa fraud.

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors – in London and the southeast there are six Duncan Lewis offices and a criminal defence fraud lawyer can be within you within an hour.

For expert legal advice on fraud charges and representation during interview under caution, call Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers on 020 7923 4020.