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23 Jun 2021

Fraud is a branch of organised crime where the criminal is intentionally deceitful in order to gain an advantage or benefit whilst causing the victim to suffer a loss. Fraud can arise in a multitude of ways and in recent years it has become the largest organised crime in the UK. If you have fallen victim to fraud crime then contact ABV Solicitors where our experienced, professional and friendly solicitors will be able to provide you with expert advice and guide you through your needs and requirements.

Often people do not realise that they have been targeted by fraudsters and criminals until the damage has already been done. It is therefore important to be aware of key signs to be able to detect fraud. Your fraud solicitor will be able to provide you with expert advice on the best ways to detect fraud and ensure that you do not become a victim.

What is immigration fraud?

Immigration fraud is when people use fraudulent means to try and gain entry into the UK or remain in the UK past their legal limit and is considered a very serious offence and usually results in long-term imprisonment and unlimited fines. In order to be able to prove immigration fraud it is essential to demonstrate that there was dishonesty involved and therefore it is important that you instruct a fraud solicitor who has experience in dealing with complex and often lengthy fraud cases.

There are many different types of immigration fraud that people often commit in order to gain entry into the UK or remain in the UK unlawfully. Examples of immigration fraud that people commit include sham marriages, forged documents, forced marriages, student visa fraud, identity fraud, visa and passport fraud and sponsorship fraud among many other types of immigration fraud. Your fraud solicitor will be able to explain the different methods of immigration fraud and ensure that you do not fall foul of this.

A sham marriage is where the relationship is not genuine and is entered into purely on the basis of gaining a dishonest immigration advantage from it. There is no relationship between the individuals in the marriage. In the UK the number of sham marriages taking place has increased by 40%, which has led to more stringent rules and regulations that prohibit immigrants from getting married within the UK for the purposes of gaining rights to remain.

Identity fraud occurs when an individual takes on the identity of another person, with or without their knowledge, in an attempt to defraud and deceive a third party individual or organisation. People often do this when they are seeking to gain entry into the UK and therefore take on the identity of a family member or may change their age or give themselves a new identity entirely.

Being accused of immigration fraud causes a lot of stress and anxiety to people, particularly when they are innocent or have unknowingly been involved in the crime. It is therefore essential that you immediately instruct expert solicitors who will be able to provide you with professional advice and guide you through the process.