Understanding the need for a fraud solicitor ABV Solicitors It is important to begin by stating that most businesses and people in the UK are honest, but there have to be consequences for those who seek to be dishonest and defraud people for their hard-earned money. For the occasions where an individual or a business obtains money through deception, a fraud solicitor can always be of help. The main role of a fraud solicitor is to provide advice and representation for their clients in the hope of gaining redress or a positive outcome for their client in any case. A fraud solicitor will represent individuals and businesses in order to bring all the facts to the attention of the court and all other authorities that are involved when necessary. These fraud solicitors may carry out financial activities such as Confiscation Proceedings and other Asset Recovery Proceedings, these actions are normally carried out when a court order has been awarded against any business and all other avenues to try and recover any money owed have been exhausted. There are many different types of frauds that are being investigated in the UK, all of which fall within the working remit of a fraud solicitor. It is important for people and businesses to understand some of the more common frauds and how they are investigated. Please keep in mind that at the heart of any fraud is intent. For example, a business stating something they know to be untrue to gain money that they may not be entitled to otherwise would demonstrate deceitful intent. HMRC tax investigations Every business or working individual in the UK must pay a fair amount of tax to the HMRC; however, there are times when some people may try to pay less by making a wrongful declaration of earnings at the end of a tax year. This may trigger an investigation into the tax affairs of a business, company or individual. If a business owner finds that they are under investigation by the HMRC, they must contact a fraud solicitor straight away as they will need a professional who understands the intricate workings of the HMRC and the UK tax system. Any UK-based fraud solicitor understands that more HMRC-tax-based investigations have been leading to more prosecutions than ever before due to the new and increased powers given to the HMRC. However, many businesses are not fully aware of these new powers, making it vital they contact a fraud solicitor as soon as they find out they are under investigation. Protect yourself with information and understanding Whilst there is a lot of daily talk about the number of frauds that could affect individuals or businesses, the main reason a fraudster succeeds is that the general public has a lack of information about fraud. If everyone took a bit of time to gain some insight into how frauds occur, this would lead to fewer frauds. Several strong organisations have collected plenty of information and made it available for all to read to ensure that fewer individuals or businesses need to contact a fraud solicitor in future. SOURCES: https://www.abvsolicitors.co.uk/services/serious-fraud-and-business-crime/ https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/fraud-act-2006