Teesside fraud recovery scheme extended

A Teesside-based fraud recovery scheme is set to continue following successful results.

The Financial Fraud Advocates pilot, run by Safer Communities, in Cleveland, has helped scam victims reclaim nearly £290,000, with a further £440,000 currently being pursued in active cases through banks, financial institutions and the Financial Ombudsman.

Funded through seized criminal assets and local authority support, the service helps vulnerable people recover lost funds, particularly when banks fail to offer protection.

Among the recent successes is the recovery of £26,000 for an 86-year-old terminally ill woman with memory loss from Stockton-on-Tees, whose savings were stolen by a relative. 

Her son described the ordeal as “devastating” and said he would never have got the money back without support from the service.

He said: “The advocate brought the legal understanding and authority we needed to push things forward and challenge the bank on protocol and processes. 

“I didn’t even know help like this existed, and I don’t think I’d have succeeded without their help.” 

Backed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland and local councils, funding has now been extended until the end of 2026.

Vicky Beaumont, financial fraud advocate, added: “The emotional toll on victims is often devastating. 

“Some people lose everything through no fault of their own – and that level of financial loss can have a serious impact on their mental health. 

“In the worst cases, people feel hopeless and even suicidal.

“Our job is to work with the banks, flag failings in the system and stand up for victims who might otherwise be ignored.”

Matt Storey, Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “Fraud is the most common crime against individuals in England and Wales – and it’s often devastating.

“We know many people never report it, because they feel ashamed or believe nothing can be done. 

“But this project is proving there is something we can do – and it’s making a real difference to people’s lives.”

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