What is fraud?
13 September 2012
Legal column
There is no definition of fraud in UK law – fraudulent activity is covered by a number of offences, so let’s try to define fraud in straightforward terms.
English law does not provide a definition of fraud, nor is there a substantive offence of fraud in criminal law. However, there are a number of offences that cover fraudulent activity: fraudulent conduct involves deception and dishonesty.
When the term ‘fraud’ is used, it can cover a wide spectrum of criminal activity ranging from minor offences such a benefit...