Profiling the Fraudster: Findings from a Rapid Evidence Assessment

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