Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any steps she is taking to support victims of investment fraud.
Minister of Justice: I recognise that investment fraud can have devastating financial and emotional consequences for victims, and I am committed to ensuring that those affected are supported while also working to prevent others from becoming victims.
My Department funds Victim Support Northern Ireland to provide a range of services to all victims and witnesses of crime, including victims of investment fraud. This includes the provision of emotional support, information, advice, assistance with claiming Criminal Injuries Compensation, court support services and signposting to other specialist services.
Cybercrime and fraud in the UK should be reported through the Report Fraud service which provides the Report Fraud Victim Service which offers dedicated, and specialist help to victims of cybercrime.
https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/financial-investment/
My Department, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Policing Board, provides annual operational funding of £4.25m to Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs), across each of the 11 council areas, who lead on my Department’s response to community safety issues at a local level. PCSPs provide sessions on crime prevention and raise awareness of a wide range of scams and fraud, including investment fraud.
In addition, my Department is a member of the ScamwiseNI Partnership, which is chaired by the PSNI. There are now over 45 partners who work collaboratively to provide valuable information and crucial advice to keep the public informed, aware and vigilant. The ScamwiseNI Partnership has an effective online presence and my Department also uses its own social media channels to highlight current scams and the steps people can take to protect themselves.
ENDS
