Civil fraud

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Introduction to civil fraud

Why you need to know about civil (commercial) fraud

A report in August 2023 showed an increase in the number of commercial fraud cases being heard in the English courts in recent years—see News Analysis: More fraud claims filed in English courts, study finds.

Also in August 2023, legal commentators noted that ‘the potential of [AI] technology to augment fraudsters’ efforts is arguably unprecedented’—see News Analysis: What to know about AI fraudsters before facing disputes.

Therefore the importance of understanding what is or may be involved in a civil fraud dispute has never been more important.

What is fraud?

Fraud can best be described as the deliberate or intentional use of misrepresentation, deception or dishonesty to deprive, in order to make a gain or achieve an advantage for someone or something or to disadvantage or cause loss (usually financial) to another person or party. That said, it is not always necessary that a scenario which has, at its heart, elements of dishonesty, requires establishing actual dishonesty on the part of some or all of the protagonists in order to seek a civil remedy.

Fraud

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