Profiling the Fraudster: Findings from a Rapid Evidence Assessment

Abstract

Fraud accounts for a growing proportion of UK crime, causing economic losses, societal and personal harms. While there is a growing body of literature on the scale and prevalence of fraud, little research has been undertaken about those who carry out the crime–the offenders–since seminal studies undertaken in the 1970s and 80s. This study reports on findings from a Rapid Evidence Assessment commissioned by the Home Office, to explore this gap, seeking to provide an up-to-date socio-demographic profile of fraudsters. It was found that much of the international research considered supports the historical picture of the traditional fraudster as an older, White, employed, well-educated male of a middle-high socio-demographic status, who appear to be late onset offenders. However, there may be different types/groups of fraudsters emerging that might not fit the traditional profile.