​​​What is Fraud

Fraud is behaviour that's deceptive, dishonest, corrupt or unethical.

For a fraud to exist there needs to be an offender, a victim and an absence of control or safeguards.

Here in Queensland, the laws on fraud involve dishonesty in any of these situations:

• obtaining property belonging to someone else
• applying someone else's property to one's own use
• causing a detriment to another person or entity
• gaining a benefit or advantage for any person; and
• inducing or causing any person to deliver property to another person

Fraudulent activity in the workplace often results in the loss of revenue and property, while increasing operational costs and service charges. It can also mean obligations to employees, customers, suppliers or contractors can't be met.

The knock-on effect for businesses may:

• damage credibility
• compromise confidentiality
• result in public criticism

Common frauds include:

• stolen and fake identities;
  
• credit and EFTPOS card fraud; and
  
• cyber crime.
  

Fraud Risks and Prevention Measures

With the rapid advancements in technology, frauds are becoming more sophisticated, widespread and complex. As a result, stamping out fraudulent practices becomes a huge challenge and requires extra vigilance on the part of businesses and individuals.

If your fraud matter is assessed and a decision is made that the QPS will investigate the complaint, the Financial and Cyber Crime Group may not necessarily be the appointed investigators in your matter. It is most likely that the matter will be referred to detectives located in the area where the offence of fraud has occurred.

For more information about fraud and scams, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.

For further information and assistance contact:

FINANCIAL AND CYBER CRIME GROUP
Queensland Police Service
200 Roma Street
Brisbane, Qld 4000