Local Lib Dem MPs call for Online Crime Agency to protect online shoppers

Local Lib Dem MPs call for Online Crime Agency to protect online shoppers

A Freedom of Information request by the Liberal Democrats revealed that in just one year,  £1,374,825.02 was lost to online shopping fraud in Devon and Cornwall.

Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, is urging the Government to set up a new Online Crime Agency to tackle online fraud. This comes after data shows that almost 70,000 cases were reported in the 2023/24 financial year.

Victims lost on average £827, which is up a whopping 18% from the previous years. Shockingly, the data also reveals that over £154,000 is lost to online fraud every single day.

In Devon and Cornwall, 1,820 cases of online shopping fraud were reported in the 2023/24 financial year, adding up to a whopping £1,374,825.02 worth of losses.

Martin Wrigley. Liberal Democrat MP for Newton Abbot said:

“Victims in the south of Devon have been left short-changed and left vulnerable to opportunistic fraudsters. We urgently need action.

“The previous Conservative government completely failed to act. They were asleep at the wheel when it came to online fraud.” 

Caroline Voaden. Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon said:

“Cases of online fraud have been rocketing for years now, and the time for the Government to treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves is long overdue. Since the election, I’ve met with victims of online fraud and heard heartbreaking stories of people losing vast sums to these cruel fraudsters. Setting up an Online Crime Agency is an absolute must to tackle fraud and give victims the justice they deserve.”