Issue Rising cross-border online fraud with fewer convictions eroding trust

Summary

Over the longer term, the report expects the combined growth of online personal data, advances in AI and wider global internet access to drive up fraud cases. Because such fraud is often cross-border and anonymous, it may lead to fewer convictions and, as a result, weaker public trust. The internet already offers fraudsters more targets thanks to larger digital footprints and anonymity, and fraud is the most common crime in the UK at about 3.9 million offences a year. The report argues that stronger capacity to tackle fraud raises public awareness and can restore trust in the authorities. It also suggests that wider coordination with international partners can help set standards for cross-border cooperation.