North East Fraud Forum
NEFF NEWS 3rd FEB 2010
As well as wide-scale job losses and failing businesses, another consequence of the economic downturn has been the rise in fraud cases. Christopher Knox finds out more.
THE events of the last two years have dramatically altered the economic landscape, and although we may be out of the recession, both analysts and bosses are cautious about the speed at which the UK can recover.
While much of the news has focussed on the fall in spending and the difficulty in raising money, an unseen threat has also picked up as a result of the economic decline.
Fraud is often seen as a threat that affects few businesses, usually those with more to lose and are cash and asset-rich.
Full Story >> The Journal Business News
NEFF Membership Structure.
There are now 5 categories of membership which gives the structure of the membership greater flexibility:
1. Individual
2. Individual Premium
3. Corporate
4. Corporate Gold
5. Title Sponsor
For more information and details of the membership tariffs as it applies to each of the above categories and an application form please go to - NEFF 2010 / 2011 Membership.
Please note membership of the NEFF is on an annual basis the 2010 / 2011 membership starts on 1st April 2010 and ends 31st March 2011.
** NEFF 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE**
The NEFF Annual Conference will be held on Wednesday 9th June 2010 @ Centre for Life, Conference and Banqueting, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne. NE1 4EP.
NEFF Masterclass March 16TH 2010 - "AT YOUR EXPENSE"
VENUE
Gentoo Group, Emperor House, 2 Emperor Way, Doxford International Business Park, Sunderland, SR3 3XR.
AGENDA
The previous months have been unforgettable when the word 'expenses' are mentioned. Who can forget issues surrounding duck houses and moats? We all work in areas where expense is incurred. What is acceptable, necessary and reasonable? We look to have the benefit of HMRC advice as well as a consideration of the legalities of our actions when completing expense claims.
In its analysis of fraud trends for 2009, CIFAS has detected a 55% increase in false insurance claims and a change in the very nature of fraudulent claims, as the effects of the recession intensify.
According to CIFAS, the rise in insurance fraud shows an increase in premeditated "accidents". Specifically, a surge in claims for staged or completely fictitious events rather than inflated claims for damage and losses actually incurred. This has an affect on the premiums we pay!!.
Could some claims be fraudulent? It's time to sign up, and of course attendance for members is at no expense!!
CHARGES
Current NEFF members - Free,
Non Members - £70.00 + VAT
Centre for Cybercrime and Computer Security
The origin of the Centre for Cybercrime and Computer Security can be traced to 2007. Representatives of the School of Computing Science, the North East Fraud Forum (NEFF) , and relevant international experts came together to discuss the expanding programme of the School's systems security research, and NEFF's concerns regarding the difficulty of responding adequately to the ever-changing cybercrime scene.
Two activities resulted from these discussions. First, the Hadrian Project was set up, and is now a burgeoning regional cooperative activity, spanning industry, commerce, local government, police and academia, undertaking a number of initiatives related to the fight against cybercrime. Secondly, the academically focussed Centre for Cybercrime and Computer Security was created. CCCS brings together the School of Computing's long-standing computer security research interests and our growing collaboration with organizations involved in the daily fight against cybercrime.
Safer Internet Day and CCCS Launch Event - Threats and Opportunities
9th and 10th February 2010
to be held at St. James Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Registration now available.
Anyone interested in protecting children in this digital age, or in defending against cybercrime more generally, will benefit from these events.
Safer Internet Day
This half day is aimed at helping to protect young children from the dangers of the internet. We intend to bring together children and young people, parents and carers, teachers and trainers, to increase their awareness of grooming, cyberbullying, offender behaviour etc. We will be showing children and parents material which has been designed to educate them on how to keep families safe whilst online. Working with the police we have planned an interactive and fun workshop with parents and their children competing against each other with an Xbox experience.
CCCS Launch Event - Threats and Opportunities
A full day event with an international group of invited speakers giving presentations on topics such as Counterfeiting, Internet Grooming, Gambling Websites and Security etc. This is a must attend event for anyone wanting to protect themselves or their businesses against various forms of cybercrime.
Registration, Exhibitor and Sponsorship Opportunities
If you are interested in working towards a safer internet community by attending the event or would like to know more about exhibiting and/or sponsorship at the event, please contact Joan Atkinson:
Tel: +44 191 221 2222 Fax: +44 191 222 7995 Email: Joan.Atkinson@ncl.ac.uk
Website >> Centre for Cybercrime and Computer Security
Alan BrownNorth East Fraud Forum Strategic Plan 2009 - 2012
A message from the Chairman of the North East Fraud Forum - Alan Brown.
"It is with great pleasure that I am able to present the North East Fraud Forum (NEFF) strategy for 2009/12. We have come a long way since March 2003 when the NEFF was launched at St James Park. Then we knew we had a growing problem and had an idea how we could address the issues surrounding fraudulent activities across a wide spectrum of society.
What we know now and can say with some authority is that the Fraud Forum was visionary in its concept and has had a significant regional impact in combating and preventing fraud. The ability for public and private organisations to work together within a single framework towards a common purpose is unique and has been nationally recognised.
To continue to do this work and create expansion for the future the NEFF has produced a Strategy Document for 2009/12 ensuring that together the NEFF and its members continue to work together and improve on an already impressive performance on combating and preventing fraudulent activity".