A Freedom of Information request by the Liberal Democrats revealed that in just one year, £848,000 was lost to online shopping fraud in Surrey.

Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, 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.

Helen Maguire met with Mark Chapman, Divisional Command for East Surrey to discuss her concerns in the area.

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 Surrey, 1276 cases of online shopping fraud were reported in the 2023/24 financial year, adding up to a whopping £848,000 worth of losses. 

Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell said:

“Victims in Surrey 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. 

“That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for the Government to set up a new Online Crime Agency to tackle fraud, give victims the justice they deserve and allow police the time to focus on keeping our communities safe.”