Our specialist fraud advocacy team has helped victims across Cleveland recover more than £1.28 million after they were targeted by scams and financial crime.
Between the launch of the Financial Fraud Advocates service in January 2025 and the end of June 2026, the team supported 117 cases across Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton.
By 13 July 2026, the total amount returned to victims had reached £1,285,666.88.
The service is funded through a partnership involving the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Trading Standards teams from Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland councils, and money recovered from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Delivered through Safer Communities’ Victim Care and Advice Service, known as VCAS, the advocates provide hands-on support to people who have lost money to fraud.
They help victims gather evidence, challenge decisions and pursue complaints with banks, financial institutions and the Financial Ombudsman Service where appropriate.
The results recorded across the four local authority areas were:
- Hartlepool – 15 cases supported and £167,475 returned
- Middlesbrough – 34 cases supported and £162,783.50 returned
- Redcar and Cleveland – 33 cases supported and £596,788.22 returned
- Stockton – 35 cases supported and £358,620.16 returned
These figures total 117 cases and £1,285,666.88 returned to victims.
The cases included investment fraud, rogue traders, impersonation and social engineering scams, employment fraud, courier fraud and other push payment fraud.
As well as helping people pursue money lost to fraud, the team supports victims through what can be a difficult and confusing process.
Fraud can have a serious emotional as well as financial impact. Victims can be left feeling embarrassed, overwhelmed or unsure about where to turn, despite having been targeted by skilled and sophisticated criminals.
The Financial Fraud Advocates stand alongside victims, help them understand their options and make sure their cases are properly heard.
The funding model also means that money recovered from criminal activity is being reinvested directly into helping local victims recover financially, rebuild their confidence and reduce the risk of being targeted again.
Anyone affected by fraud who needs support can contact VCAS on 0303 040 1099.
If you suspect you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
For confidential local support from the Financial Fraud Advocates, contact VCAS on 0303 040 1099 or info@vcas.uk, whether or not you have reported the crime to police.
