Resources for Fraud in Sport and the Military

Overview: Fraud isn't just about scams targeting individuals; it also affects organisations, including sports clubs and military personnel. High-profile sports professionals and military members are especially vulnerable to fraud due to their access to substantial funds, public profiles, and the demanding nature of their careers. Understanding the specific risks they face is essential in combating fraud in these sectors.

Why You Might Be Targeted:

Sports Professionals:

• Public Profiles: Being in the public eye makes athletes a target for fraudsters hoping to exploit their fame for financial gain.
• Financial Assets: Athletes often earn significant sums of money, making them attractive targets for fraudulent schemes.
• Limited Financial Knowledge & Youth: Many athletes, especially young ones, may not have the financial expertise to manage large sums of money, which can make them more susceptible to fraud.
• Short Career Lifespan: Given that sports careers are often brief, athletes tend to seek long-term financial security, making them targets for investment frauds or schemes promising high returns.
• Trusting Relationships: The close-knit environment within sports teams and organisations can lead to fraudsters infiltrating these trusted relationships to manipulate athletes.

Military Personnel:

• Deployment Challenges: Military personnel, particularly those deployed overseas, often have limited control over their financial affairs, making them vulnerable to fraud.
• Security Clearance: Military personnel with high-level security clearances are prime targets for fraudsters who may attempt to access sensitive information for financial or strategic gain.
• Trusting Relationships: Much like in sports, military personnel often work in close-knit units, creating an opportunity for fraudsters to gain access to confidential information.

Current Issues:

Sports Fraud:

• Investment Scams: Athletes are often targeted by fraudulent investment opportunities, resulting in major financial losses and damage to their reputation.
• Tax Relief Scams: Some athletes have been misled into investing in tax relief schemes that turned out to be scams, resulting in financial losses and legal consequences.
• Cyber Fraud: Due to their high public profiles, sports professionals are particularly vulnerable to cyber fraud, including phishing scams, account hacking, and impersonation. Fraudsters may steal personal information, leading to financial loss and reputational damage.

Military Fraud:

• Identity Theft: Military personnel are often targeted for identity theft, with fraudsters using stolen personal information to open credit accounts or obtain loans.
• Investment and Pension Fraud: Service members seeking to secure their financial future through investments and pensions may fall victim to fraudulent schemes, resulting in significant losses.

What to Do if You Are Defrauded:

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to fraud, immediate action is crucial. Here’s what you should do:

1. Report the Fraud Immediately:

- Sports Professionals: If defrauded, report the incident to your sport's governing body, regulatory authority, or fraud investigation unit. For criminal activity, contact the police or Action Fraud (the UK’s national fraud reporting centre). Reporting quickly ensures that authorities can investigate the issue and prevent further harm.

- Military Personnel: Report fraud immediately to your chain of command, the military police (Royal Military Police in the Army or Service Police for the Royal Navy and RAF), or other relevant investigative agencies. If fraud involves financial services or investments, you can also report it to Action Fraud or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

2. Contact Your Bank or Financial Institution: If you suspect fraudulent activity on your bank accounts or credit cards, contact your bank immediately. They may freeze your accounts, stop further transactions, or help recover any funds lost due to fraud. This is especially important for cyber fraud cases.

3. Report to Action Fraud: Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud reporting centre. You can report fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. They provide support, investigate fraud, and guide you on steps to take. Ensure you have all necessary information on hand when reporting fraud, such as transaction details, suspect contact information, and any communication received.

4. Contact the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): If the fraud involves financial services (e.g., investments, pensions), report the incident to the FCA. The FCA regulates financial institutions and offers a consumer helpline for victims of fraud in the financial sector. They can provide advice on what to do next and investigate fraudulent companies.

5. Seek Legal Advice: If you're facing significant financial loss, or if the fraud involves complex legal matters (such as investments or pensions), seek professional legal advice. A solicitor with expertise in fraud cases can guide you through the legal process, help recover your losses, and potentially pursue civil action.

6. Freeze Your Credit: If you suspect identity theft, freezing your credit with the credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) will prevent fraudsters from opening new credit accounts in your name.

7. Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly monitor your bank accounts, credit card transactions, and credit scores. Set up account alerts for suspicious activity and use credit monitoring services to stay informed about changes to your credit file.

8. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraudulent activity among your peers (teammates, fellow service members, or associates), ensure they are also informed and take necessary precautions. Alerting others can help prevent further fraud within your network.

9. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications, transactions, and documents related to the fraud. This will be vital for investigations and any legal action you may need to take.

Advice for Prevention:

1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Fraudsters often approach you with unsolicited investment opportunities or offers that seem too good to be true. Always verify the legitimacy of such offers by researching the company, and avoid making decisions under pressure.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Protect your personal information by using strong, unique passwords for all accounts, especially financial accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For an added layer of protection, enable 2FA on all your financial and social media accounts. This extra step requires a second form of verification (e.g., a text message or authentication app) in addition to your password.
4. Stay Educated on Fraud Tactics: Familiarise yourself with the common tactics used by fraudsters, such as phishing emails, bogus investment schemes, and identity theft. Being able to recognise the signs of fraud can help you avoid falling victim to scams.
5. Review Financial Accounts Regularly: Regularly review bank statements, credit card transactions, and other financial accounts. Set up alerts for unusual transactions or changes to ensure you're promptly notified of suspicious activity.
6. Engage Trusted Professionals: When seeking financial advice or managing investments, always engage certified professionals. Verify their credentials with regulatory bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ensure they are reputable and regulated.

What to Do if You're Not Getting Anywhere with Authorities:

If you are not getting the support you need from law enforcement, HMRC, banks, the FCA, or other institutions, it might be worth contacting your Member of Parliament (MP) for help. MPs are there to represent their constituents and can advocate on your behalf.

Here’s how to contact your MP:

1. Find Your MP:

• You can find out who your MP is by visiting the UK Parliament website (https://members.parliament.uk/members/) and entering your postcode.
• You can also contact your local constituency office or visit their website for more information on how to reach them.

2. What to Include in Your Letter or Email:

• Be Clear and Concise: Explain the issue you are facing, including the steps you've already taken to report the fraud and the responses (or lack of) you have received from authorities.
• Provide Supporting Evidence: Include any relevant documentation or reference numbers to support your case, such as reports to Action Fraud, banks, or other authorities.
• Ask for Specific Help: Clearly outline what you need help with (e.g., escalating the issue with HMRC, getting assistance from the FCA, or pressuring law enforcement for action).
• Stay Polite and Professional: MPs are more likely to assist if the communication is respectful and well-written.

3. Follow Up:

• MPs can sometimes take time to respond due to their busy schedules, so follow up if you don’t receive a response within a couple of weeks. Be persistent in a polite manner.

Where to Seek Help:

1. Contact Your MP: If fraud in the sports or military sectors is affecting you or your colleagues, consider contacting your local Member of Parliament (MP) to raise awareness and advocate for stronger protections and resources. MPs can raise concerns in Parliament and push for legislative changes to help combat fraud.
2. Specialist Organisations: Several organisations offer support for fraud victims. For example:

• Fraud Victims United provides tailored support for those who’ve experienced fraud.
• The Royal British Legion and SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) offer support to military personnel and veterans facing financial fraud.

3. Legal Services: If you need to pursue a legal claim against fraudsters, contact a solicitor who specialises in fraud cases. Many law firms offer free consultations to assess your case.

4. Report to the Authorities:

• Action Fraud: The UK’s national fraud reporting centre for victims of all types of fraud. Report online or via phone.
• FCA (Financial Conduct Authority): The FCA regulates the financial services sector and offers support for those affected by fraudulent financial schemes.

By staying vigilant, protecting your financial information, and knowing how to report and react to fraud, you can significantly reduce the risk of being defrauded. Remember, prevention is key, but if you do fall victim to fraud, swift action can help mitigate the damage.