What does the Fraud Act 2006 cover?

Purpose. The Act gives a statutory definition of the criminal offence of fraud, defining it in three classes – fraud by false representation, fraud by failing to disclose information, and fraud by abuse of position.

Which is an offence under the Fraud Act 2006?

The Act provides for a general offence of fraud with three ways of committing it, which are by false representation, by failing to disclose information and by abuse of position. It creates new offences of obtaining services dishonestly and of possessing, making and supplying articles for use in frauds.

What did the Fraud Act 2006 replace?

The Fraud Act 2006 came into force in January 2006 and was made to replace the eight deception offences in the Theft Act 1968/78 – which was subject to a lot of criticism regarding the number of offences that overlapped one another, which made prosecutions difficult.

What are the new offences under the Fraud Act 2006?

Each of the three limbs of the offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. FA 2006 introduces a number of other new offences, including: obtaining services dishonestly (S 11), which replaces the offence of obtaining services by deception under s 15 of TA 1968.

When is a person guilty of a fraud?

An Act to make provision for, and in connection with, criminal liability for fraud and obtaining services dishonestly. (1) A person is guilty of fraud if he is in breach of any of the sections listed in subsection (2) (which provide for different ways of committing the offence).

How does section 11 of the Fraud Act work?

Section 11 makes it an offence for any person, by any dishonest act, to obtain services for which payment is required, with intent to avoid payment. The person must know that the services are made available on the basis that they are chargeable, or that they might be.

How is the Fraud Act different from the Theft Act?

An important difference between this and the Theft Act is that the Fraud Act offences do not require there to have been a victim, as was the case with the Theft Act.