COVID-19 has illustrated that fraudsters appear the very instant an opportunity presents itself.

We have seen good practice at some public bodies in identifying and sharing the latest fraud risks associated with COVID-19. But, from examining the overall effectiveness of counter fraud arrangements at some 40 public bodies, it is clear they collectively need to raise their game and learn from others to tackle fraud in Wales more effectively. This is according to a new report by the Auditor General for Wales.

Fraud is a constant threat, and every pound stolen from the public sector means that there is less to spend on key services such as health, education and social services.

Fraudsters take every opportunity to exploit weaknesses and vulnerable people, and the COVID-19 pandemic has generated an explosion in fraudulent activities. The first COVID-19 case in the UK was reported on 31 January 2020 and the first COVID-19 fraud case was recorded just nine days later. Since that time, the number of fraud reports has increased significantly across the UK – the media reporting an unprecedented number of scams linked to the virus.

Our report identifies seven key themes that all public bodies need to focus on in raising their game to tackle fraud more effectively. It paints a picture of the current arrangements for preventing and detecting fraud across Wales and makes 15 recommendations, including the need to strengthen strategic leadership, co-ordination and oversight of counter-fraud across the Welsh public sector.

The effectiveness of counter fraud arrangements across the Welsh public sector varies considerably. NHS Wales is clearly leading the way, but local government bodies generally need to raise their game to at least the standard seen in the NHS. That said, even the best counter fraud arrangements currently operated in Wales could be strengthened, drawing on good practice elsewhere in the UK and internationally.

In public bodies where counter-fraud is currently under-resourced, this is sometimes due to unfounded assumptions around presumed low levels of fraud activity. This shows the need for more robust fraud risk assessments, together with awareness raising and enhanced staff training. Greater use of data analytics is also needed to strengthen both the prevention and detection of fraud.

The Auditor General, Adrian Crompton said today:

“Investing resources in both preventing and detecting fraud is money well spent, particularly in the context of acute public sector funding pressures and the need to do more with less.

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating an imperative for public bodies to collaborate more effectively in responding to scammers and fraudsters. Whilst individual bodies are responsible for their own arrangements, the Welsh Government also needs to enhance its strategic leadership of counter-fraud activities across Wales, playing a co-ordinating role where it can.”