In this Insights In Focus episode, we take a look at the upward trend in instances of fraud: what factors make it easier for fraudsters, and what can the profession do about it?

Instances of fraud have been on the rise since 2019, particularly during the pandemic, as economic criminals exploited new weaknesses created as a result of the rapid introduction of COVID-19 measures.

Last month, the UK government issued its feedback statement on audit and corporate governance reform, which outlined how auditors and businesses should monitor and respond to potential instances of fraud.

What’s the real picture when it comes to the prevalence of fraud? We look at the common types of fraud, the challenges of trying to combat it, the red flags that accountants might come across, and how professionals should respond.

Host:
Philippa Lamb

Guests:
- Arun Chauhan, founder of Tenet Law and Fraud Advisory Panel trustee.
- Chris Osborne, partner and head of the forensic services team, FRP.

Links:
- https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/system/files/Half-year-fraud-update-2021-FINAL.pdf
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-action-on-fraud-in-covid-support-schemes/government-action-on-fraud-in-covid-support-schemes
- https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/covid19
- https://www.icaew.com/technical/tas-helpsheets/fraud/fraud-issues-for-members-in-business
- https://www.icaew.com/technical/business/webinars-and-publications/podcasts-and-recordings/common-online-frauds-and-how-to-avoid-them
- https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2022/jun-2022/ec-why-does-the-uk-have-such-a-problem-with-fraud
- https://www.icaew.com/technical/trust-and-ethics/ethics/Help-with-ethical-problems

Producer:
Natalie Chisholm

Episode published: 5 July 2022
Podcast recorded: 27 June 2022