According to data from Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, more than 33,000 people had their social media or email accounts hacked in the 12 months to August 2024, and victims lost a total of £1.4 million. Fraud is now the most commonly experienced crime in the UK, with 1 in 17 adults falling victim to fraudsters. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau indicate that 80% of fraud is cyber-enabled. October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, an international initiative that aims to educate everyone about cyber safety. To mark the event, Action Fraud and NHS England have launched awareness campaigns to remind people that there are simple ways to protect themselves and our NHS from online threats.

Following the submission of a successful bid, SAFE are proud to be included in the YPO Internal Audit and Assurance, and Counter Fraud Investigation Services Framework. Beating stiff competition, our bid was the highest scoring in Lot 3: Counter Fraud Investigation Services. YPO is one of the largest public sector purchasing consortiums in the UK, and the inclusion of SAFE on the framework means that the following organisations can easily access our award winning, cost-effective services: • Local authority councils, • Educational establishments, • Police, fire and rescue, maritime/coastguard agency emergency services, • NHS bodies, the HSC (Northern Ireland) and ambulance services, • Central government departments and their agencies, • Registered charities, • And more, full list available here .