Industry response as new disruption unit to be launched under government fraud strategy

A new online crime squad is set to be launched in April 2026 to combat organised fraud. 

The operation forms part of the expanded government fraud strategy, published on 10 March 2026, which outlines how the government will disrupt fraudsters and protect the public.

The new online crime centre will bring together specialists from the government, police, intelligence agencies, banks, mobile networks and major technology firms to drive coordinated action against fraud.

Backed by over £30m in funding, the centre will identify the accounts, websites and phone numbers that organised crime groups rely on and shut them down at scale. 

This includes blocking scam texts, freezing criminal accounts, removing scam social media accounts and disrupting operations at source.

The strategy also sets out how the government will back law enforcement to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to spot emerging fraud patterns.

Commenting on the new government fraud strategy, Steve Smart, executive director lead for fighting financial crime at the FCA, said: “Fighting financial crime is essential for protecting consumers and firms and preventing criminals undermining confidence in the financial system.

“We support the government’s new fraud strategy, which sets out a blueprint for partners working together, at home and abroad, to crack down on the problem. Its success will depend on everyone – government, regulators, law enforcement and industry including tech firms – playing their part.”

Greg Cole, UK claims director at AND-E, added:  “The sad reality is that as technology advances to make our lives easier, so too does it make it easier for fraudsters to target businesses and individuals. 

”And the insurance sector is most certainly not immune to their efforts. We, therefore, welcome the government’s strategy to disrupt the criminal activity as well as safeguard individuals.

”We will engage with initiatives that will have a direct impact on reducing fraud in insurance such as the development of the online crime centre which will help facilitate the sharing of data about fraud.

”Industry-wide collaboration is essential to ensure that fraudulent activity is tackled head-on.”

Frauds victim charter

As part of the strategy, fraud victims will also receive stronger support through the establishment of clear national standards for how every victim is treated.

A new fraud victims charter will set out response times, minimum standards of care and consistent advice on reimbursement and recovery, to ensure the public receive the same service no matter where they live.

Hannah Gurga, director general at the ABI, said: ”We fully support the government’s drive for a united approach to crackdown on fraud and welcome the strategy’s focus on partnerships alongside continued investment in public awareness and victim support.

”The tech sector has made some progress and the increased focus on this area will be crucial to help tackle the issue. With most fraud starting online, tech firms, social platforms and telecoms providers must now deliver on their commitments and contribute to prevention and detection and the strengthened governance framework to monitor their performance is welcome.

“Insurers already invest heavily in fighting fraud and take this threat extremely seriously. We’ll continue working closely with government to implement the strategy and deliver on the fraud charter to strengthen the UK’s resilience.”