Introduction

Surprisingly, there is, at present, no single criminal offence called fraud.

There are, however, a wide range of offences that may be committed in the course of what most people would call fraud.

The Home Office have recently issued a Consultation Paper on possible reform of the criminal law relating to fraud. The Paper included proposals for two new general fraud offences, one of fraud and the other of obtaining services dishonestly.

In addition to the criminal offences relating to fraud, a claim for fraud can be pursued in the civil courts.