As part of International Fraud Awareness Week (14-20 November 2021), we are highlighting the threat of fraud against the NHS, how fraud fighters tackle it and how you can help them.

During the COVID-19 pandemic the NHS and other healthcare providers came under unprecedented pressure.  While the focus of the NHS was directed on tackling the pandemic tackling fraud was understandably not a priority.  Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the criminals who target the NHS for financial gain. Fraudsters are always on the lookout for ways to make money from their victims, and their actions are a growing threat to individuals and organisations alike.

Fraud impacts on the NHS and takes valuable resources away from essential services and patient care. It will surprise many to learn that there are a small minority of people who seek to gain financially by targeting taxpayer funds meant for patient care – particularly at a time when NHS resources are under significant pressure.

Because fraud is a hidden crime, knowing about it is the first step in dealing with it. That’s why this week TIAA is joining hundreds of organisations around the world in celebrating International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW), or Fraud Week.

For this year’s Fraud Week we are supporting the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) campaign highlighting the role of professional fraud fighters in the NHS, particularly:

Our Anti-Crime Specialists (ACS), are on the frontline of the fight against fraud and deliver a wide range of counter fraud work (from awareness to prevention to investigations, to name a few)

Fraud Champions, senior leaders who support the counter fraud agenda at a strategic level within their organisations.

NHS people, and the population they serve, know all too well that you don’t need a cape to be a hero. However, we still want to recognise and celebrate the everyday heroes who protect precious NHS resources from the criminals who target them for personal gain – that’s why the campaign features ACS and Fraud Champions as superheroes.

To follow their exploits and see some examples of how they fight NHS fraud, explore TIAA’s website (Anti-Crime) and if you’d like to contact our ACS(s) the details are below.

Everyone can and should play a part in tackling fraud against the NHS and this is how you can help:

  • By being vigilant and knowing how to spot fraud
  • By knowing how to report fraud if you suspect it (see details below)
  • By following anti-fraud advice and guidance designed to stop fraud from happening in the first place
  • By spreading the anti-fraud message among your networks

You can find more details of the initiatives that TIAA is undertaking during Fraud Week on [International Fraud Awareness Week] and the events we are holding to provide advice and information.  For more information please follow us on social media ( Twitter and LinkedIn) or speak to one of our Anti-Crime Specialist who can provide further advice and support.

If you have any suspicions or concerns about fraud in the NHS, report them to using the following methods:

TIAA Anti-Crime Specialists – fraud@tiaa.co.uk

NHSCFA –  https://cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud or by calling 0800 028 4060 (available 24 hours).

All reports are treated in confidence, and you have the option to report anonymously.