University of Birmingham’s Fraud Clinic Offers Free Legal Support for Fraud Victims

Members of the public who have been victims of fraud will be able to access free legal advice at the University of Birmingham’s Fraud Clinic.

In September last year, the Financial Ombudsman Service revealed that fraud and scam complaints hit their highest-ever level. UK Finance also revealed this year that fraud cases rose by 16% with scammers stealing more than £3 million a day.

Now, people who have been victims of identity or financial fraud can access free legal advice thanks to a new clinic launched by the University of Birmingham and Birmingham-based law firm Tenet Law.

If you are a victim of fraud, it is important to know what legal action you can take, which can feel overwhelming. Our clinic provides a judgement-free space to get free legal advice, so people know what legal tools are at their disposal, should they need them.

Amy Tabari, Birmingham Law School

Amy Tabari, Assistant Professor, Solicitor and Deputy Head of the Centre for Employability, Professional Legal Education and Research (Pro Bono) at Birmingham Law School said: “From phone scams, phishing emails and false social media password security alerts our technology provides a multitude of ways for people to steal our identity, clone our bankcards or convince us to hand over significant sums of money.

“When you realise you have been scammed it can feel embarrassing or isolating, but victims of fraud are not alone. There are more victims of fraud than any other type of crime. It can happen to anyone at any time. If you are a victim of fraud, it is important to know what legal action you can take, which can feel overwhelming. Our clinic provides a judgement-free space to get free legal advice, so people know what legal tools are at their disposal, should they need them.”

Victims will be able to get advice, from Birmingham Law School students, supervised by a lawyer. After a meeting, clients will get a letter of advice so that they know what support and action will help them with their case.

The clinic is open once a month during term time.

My advice to people who find they have become a victim is fraud is that you are not alone, to tell someone and ask for help, and get legal advice. It can make a real difference and help you get back at least some of what you might have lost.