Fraud Crimewave- The Times

2nd February 2026
Posted in Fraud Awareness, Fraud recovery experts, Legal Help, The Times

The Times published a major feature examining the growing fraud epidemic in the UK and why authorities have struggled to stop it.

Director Jonathan Hartley of Richardson Hartley Law was invited to provide expert insight for the article, which explored the multi-billion-pound impact of scams across Britain.

Mr Hartley discussed how fraud is affecting people across all parts of society and highlighted the psychological impact on victims.

“Scam victims tend to blame themselves rather than the fraudsters,” Mr Hartley told The Times. “But this shame means that many crimes go unreported.”

He also warned that artificial intelligence and new technologies are making scams increasingly sophisticated.

“We have every stratum of society falling victim to scams. If you think you are immune to it, you are probably in a really dangerous position, especially if you have money.”

“It is people with money and people who are desperate for money who are most at risk.”

Richardson Hartley Law has also seen a sharp rise in sophisticated UK-based investment scams, many of which operate as Ponzi schemes and can steal millions of pounds from victims.

As specialists in fraud recovery, the firm regularly works to raise awareness of scams and advocate for stronger protections for the public.

Richardson Hartley Law believes the Government must take further action to protect citizens from the growing fraud crimewave.

Read the full story: How Britain tried (and failed) to stop a £10 billion crimewave

Find out more how we can help investment scam victims.