Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

People need to take responsibility for protecting against fraud says Braverman

Suella Braverman called for “a culture change and a greater level of awareness” about online fraudsters.

David Hughes
Wednesday 14 June 2023 07:36 EDT
Home Secretary Suella Braverman says people need to take greater “personal responsibility” when it comes to fraud (Yui Mok/PA)
Home Secretary Suella Braverman says people need to take greater “personal responsibility” when it comes to fraud (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

People need to take greater “personal responsibility” to protect themselves against fraudsters, Suella Braverman said.

The Home Secretary highlighted a Government target to reduce fraud by 10% from 2019 levels by the end of 2024, but said that a “culture change” in the public was also needed.

She said the authorities needed greater powers and better technological capability to pursue online fraudsters.

But, she told MPs: “We need to block it in the first place, I think that requires a degree of greater personal responsibility on the part of citizens to be more aware about the threats that we all face.”

I don't think we have yet a sufficient level of personal responsibility

Suella Braverman

At the Home Affairs Select Committee she said: “It requires a huge level of personal responsibility, we need to get the technological companies to play their part.

“That’s why the Online Safety Bill is absolutely integral to this. And we need law enforcement and our policing community to be better equipped.”

On the issue of personal responsibility, she compared it to wearing a seatbelt in a car or putting up CCTV around a property.

“I think we need a step change when it comes to online activity, we are far more vulnerable than we appreciate,” she said.

“I think there needs to be a culture change and a greater level of awareness amongst individuals about how they can secure themselves properly online, whilst also buying their theatre tickets and booking their holidays.

“I don’t think we have yet a sufficient level of personal responsibility.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in