Charity Fraud Lawyers

Why charity fraud demands justice

Charities exist to support the most vulnerable in society, relying heavily on the generosity of donors and fundraising efforts. When that money is stolen, it is not just a financial crime; it is a direct exploitation of public goodwill and a breach of trust placed in both the charity and those who support it. That’s why there is a strong public interest in ensuring that those responsible for charity fraud are identified and brought to justice.

How do fraudsters target charities?

Charities are increasingly targeted by sophisticated fraud schemes designed to exploit trust, processes and people. Our charity fraud lawyers typically see the following methods:

Donation fraud

Alleged supporters of your charity offer to carry out charitable fundraising events, but keep the donations rather than paying them over to the charity.

Procurement fraud

Your charity purchases goods or services from suppliers and contractors, but no products or services are delivered, or they do not meet the required standard.

Procurement fraud can also be carried out by employees who manipulate purchasing processes, approve inflated or false invoices or collude with suppliers for personal gain.

Mandate fraud

A charity employee receives an email appearing to be from a legitimate supplier or service provider. The message requests that you make future payments to a new bank account, but that account is controlled by a fraudster.

Scam emails (phishing)

A fraudster claims to be from a legitimate organisation and provides information or assistance to the charity. An employee clicks the link provided, compromising your systems and allowing data or funds to be stolen.

Protecting charities, restoring trust, securing recovery

Our charity fraud solicitors understand the sensitivity of the work charities do and the reputational risks that come with it. That’s why we take the time to understand your organisation, its values and its strategic priorities before taking action. When pursuing a prosecution, we ensure it is handled with care and precision to deliver a clear and controlled deterrent message to those who seek to exploit your charity.

Being the victim of charity fraud can be deeply unsettling and even embarrassing, leading some individuals and organisations to stay silent rather than report the crime. However, early action is critical. If you have been affected, please talk to us free of charge so we can advise you on your options.

As a specialist charity fraud law firm, we bring together deep experience, focused expertise and dedicated resources to drive both prosecution and recovery. That can make the difference between partial recovery and securing the full return of stolen funds.

Charity fraud FAQs