Fraud Solicitors in Manchester
At Draycott Browne, our Fraud Solicitors provide a clear and strategic legal defence for individuals and businesses facing allegations of criminal fraud.
Accusations under the Fraud Act 2006 are treated as serious criminal matters, carrying significant legal, financial, and reputational consequences that can impact every aspect of your life or business.
Fraud investigations are often complex, fast-moving, and highly stressful. You may be invited to attend an interview under caution, face unannounced searches, or receive requests for financial information. How you respond at this early stage is critical. We act quickly to protect your position, advising you from the outset, representing you in interviews, challenging the evidence, and building a robust defence strategy tailored to your circumstances.
Our fraud department is led by Rob Mann, Director and Head of Fraud, whose extensive experience in high-value and high-profile fraud investigations provides a strategic advantage to every client we represent. His background in handling serious financial crime cases ensures that every defence is built with precision, insight, and a clear understanding of how prosecuting authorities prepare their case.
With over 25 years of experience, Draycott Browne is recognised for its expertise in serious and complex fraud matters. Our team combines technical quality, skill in defence strategy, and a determined approach to securing the best possible outcome. We act with purpose from the very beginning, ensuring no opportunity is missed to challenge the case against you.
Early legal advice is critical. Arrested or facing an urgent interview? Call our Fraud Solicitors on the 24/7 line at the top of this page for immediate advice.
How can our Fraud Solicitors Help?
Whatever you have been accused of, we pride ourselves on helping clients every step of the way.
Our team will help you throughout the process, including:
- Providing you with assistance in relation to dawn raids
- Preparing you for an interview with the authorities
- Challenging the authorities on search warrants and restraining orders
- Securing bail on your behalf
- Thoroughly preparing your defence for a trial
- Successfully defending you in court
Our Fraud Lawyers are perfectly positioned to provide you with the assistance you need following accusations of fraud or other financial crimes. With a reputation built on excellence, quality and skill, we have a proven track record of helping hundreds of clients accused of committing fraud in the most complex of cases.
If you want the best-possible chance of a successful outcome after being accused of fraud, call us today.
How I Take Control of the Investigation
Robert Mann | Fraud Defence Lawyer
"I don't believe in waiting for the prosecution to make the first move. Success in fraud defence is built in the months before you ever step into a courtroom. We use that time to dismantle the case against you piece by piece, auditing every document and challenging every assumption. When we take control, we aren't just reacting to the investigation; we are leading it."
Arrested or facing an urgent interview? Call me now on the 24/7 emergency number at the top of this page for immediate advice.
Specialist expertise in defending all types of fraud offences.
Our Expert Fraud Defence Solicitors
What a Typical Fraud Defence Process Looks Like
When you instruct Draycott Browne, the burden of the investigation shifts to us. Our step-by-step response is a proven framework designed to protect your interests, manage the authorities, and ensure you are never left in the dark. Our objective is to have you speaking with a specialist fraud solicitor within 24 hours of your initial inquiry.
1. Immediate Triage & Identification
Our first priority is to establish the facts and assess your immediate risk. We move quickly to identify the investigating body, whether it is the SFO, CPS, HMRC, or Trading Standards, so we can establish the rules of engagement immediately.
2. Establishing the ‘Legal Shield’
Once instructed, we serve formal notice to the relevant authorities. This is a critical step: it legally mandates that all future correspondence regarding your case must go through Draycott Browne. We act as your shield, stopping the authorities from contacting you directly.
3. Evidence Retrieval and Document Lockdown
We secure every piece of documentation you have received and demand ‘pre-interview disclosure’ from the investigators. We never allow a client to enter an interview blind; we ensure we see what the investigators have before you say a word.
4. Strategic Analysis & Interview Prep
We sit down with you to perform a deep-dive audit of the evidence. Based on our findings, we advise you on the safest tactical path: whether to answer questions, submit a pre-prepared statement, or maintain a ‘no comment’ response.
5. Court Readiness (IDPC Audit)
If you have already been summoned, we secure the Initial Disclosure Pack (IDPC) and witness statements immediately. This allows us to provide an expert opinion on your plea and start building your court strategy from day one.
Arrested or facing an urgent interview? Call our 24/7 emergency line at the top of this page for immediate advice.
Overview of a Fraud Case Timeline
Fraud investigations are often long-term matters, sometimes lasting years. At Draycott Browne, we use every stage of the legal process to dismantle the prosecution’s case.
Magistrates’ Court (First Appearance)
Your first appearance typically occurs within weeks of a formal charge. We use this hearing to secure the Initial Disclosure (IDPC) and address any bail conditions to ensure your freedom is protected while the case moves forward.
Crown Court Transition (PTPH)
For serious fraud, cases are transferred to the Crown Court approximately 28 days later for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH). This is where we formally challenge the prosecution’s timeline and set the stage for your defense.
The Preparation & Trial Window
While the time between a plea and a trial can range from 6 to 24 months depending on bail status, we view this as a critical window. We use this time to perform exhaustive defense audits, instruct forensic accountants, and build a strategy designed for a successful outcome. If you want the best possible chance of a successful outcome, don't wait for the court date to arrive. Call us today.
What are the Penalties for Fraud?
Different types of fraud carry different penalties ranging from community orders to large fines and prison terms up to 10 years. The thought of a custodial sentence can be extremely stressful for anyone facing allegations of fraud, and those accused of it may never have faced criminal charges before.
The severity of the punishment handed out is determined by several deciding factors, such as:
- Whether the act of fraud was part of a planned and premeditated operation, or an opportunistic act by an individual.
- The damage done to the victim in terms of financial loss, credit rating and overall impact.
- The length of time the fraud continued.
- If there has been an attempt to conceal or dispose of any evidence.
- The judge will also take into consideration any factors beyond financial loss, that may have an impact. For example, where money has been generated fraudulently to fund large-scale organised crime that targets vulnerable people, such as the supply of drugs or human trafficking.
Mitigating Factors During Fraud Sentencing
Fraud sentencing takes account of numerous factors, all of which may reduce the penalty given out by the Judge. These include:
- Cooperation with the authorities
- If the money has been given back voluntarily
- Evidence that suggests someone stopped offending before they were caught
When Should You Seek Legal Advice?
Contact our Fraud Lawyers immediately if you:
- Have been informed that you are under investigation
- Have been asked to speak to the authorities
- Are facing a prosecution
- Have been charged with fraud
Defending against fraud charges can be complex, and requires an experienced attorney with a deep understanding of both criminal law and the specific type of fraud involved.
Possible defence strategies include challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, arguing that the defendant did not have the intent to commit fraud, or asserting that the defendant was coerced or manipulated into committing the fraud.
By seeking advice from the very start, your case is more likely to be successful. We recommend speaking to a legal advisor from the moment you are informed you are under investigation. However, we will provide advice and representation at any point during your case.
Case Study
Liverpool's Longest Fraud Trial
26 October 2018
In the longest fraud trial Liverpool's Crown Court has seen, Rob Mann of Draycott Browne conducted the successful representation of former Conservative councillor David Richard Barton. A not guilty verdict was returned after 137 days of trial allowing David to finally put his life back on track.
Specialist Fraud Defence Lawyers
- 24/7 Availability
- Proven Success in High Profile Cases
- Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation
Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Fraud Solicitors today.
Different Types of Fraud
Fraud allegations can take many different forms, affecting individuals, professionals, and businesses across every sector. These investigations often involve detailed financial evidence, substantial documentation, and lengthy enquiries by specialist authorities, making early legal advice essential.
At Draycott Browne, our Fraud Solicitors have extensive experience defending clients facing a wide range of fraud allegations, from sophisticated corporate investigations to individual financial offences.
Serious High Value Fraud, involves large scale and sophisticated financial crime where substantial sums of money are alleged to have been obtained through deception. These investigations frequently involve multiple defendants, significant financial evidence, cross border transactions, and allegations affecting businesses, professionals, or high value investments.
Conspiracy to Defraud, arises where two or more individuals are alleged to have agreed to dishonestly deprive another person or organisation of money, property, or a legal right. These cases frequently involve multiple defendants, substantial evidence, and lengthy financial investigations.
Fraudulent Trading, occurs when a business is alleged to have continued trading with the intention of deceiving creditors or avoiding financial liabilities. Allegations commonly arise during insolvency investigations involving company directors and senior management.
Tax Fraud and Evasion, involve allegations that individuals or businesses deliberately avoided paying the correct amount of tax by concealing income, providing false information, or submitting inaccurate financial records.
VAT Fraud, involves the dishonest avoidance or recovery of Value Added Tax through false returns, fabricated transactions, or sophisticated trading arrangements. These investigations frequently involve extensive financial records and cross border commercial activity.
Investment Fraud, involves allegations that investors were persuaded to commit money through false information, misleading statements, or dishonest investment opportunities. These cases often concern high value investments, investment schemes, or financial products.
Insider Trading, involves allegations that confidential, non-public information was used to buy or sell shares or other financial securities before that information became publicly available.
Bank Fraud, occurs when deception is used to obtain money, credit, or financial services from a bank or financial institution. Allegations may involve fraudulent loan applications, false documentation, account manipulation, or other dishonest banking activities.
Identity Fraud, occurs when another person's personal information is dishonestly used to obtain money, credit, goods, or services. These allegations often involve stolen identities, false documentation, or impersonation.
Credit Card Fraud, involves the unauthorised use of payment cards or card details to obtain money, goods, or services. Allegations may include cloned cards, stolen card details, online payment fraud, or fraudulent transactions.
If you are under investigation or have been accused of any type of fraud, obtaining specialist legal advice as early as possible is essential. Our experienced Fraud Solicitors in Manchester provide strategic, practical advice from the outset, protecting your rights and building a robust defence designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Your Fraud Questions Answered
Fraud is an intentional deception carried out for personal gain or to cause harm to others. This can include identity theft, credit card fraud, internet scams, and many other forms of fraudulent activity.
In addition to being a criminal offence, fraud can also result in civil lawsuits and regulatory actions.
Fraud is defined by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) as an act of deception intended for personal gain or to cause loss to somebody else.
Fraud is now the most common crime committed in the UK, with a 2017 Experian study suggesting the country loses over £190 billion per year due to fraud. In the same year, cases of fraud hit a 15-year high.
As a result of this, fraud has become a high-profile crime, with a lot of focus being placed on prosecuting convicted individuals and the potential punishments being severe.
Yes. Fraud investigations can begin without your knowledge. In many cases, enforcement agencies such as the police, HMRC or the Serious Fraud Office will begin gathering evidence covertly before making any contact with the individual or business under investigation.
By the time you are formally notified, investigators may already have reviewed your financial records, obtained warrants, or interviewed witnesses. This early stage is often the most critical, as your responses and actions from the moment of contact can shape the course of the case.
The length of a Fraud Investigation in the UK can vary significantly depending on the nature and scale of the alleged offence. While some straightforward cases may be concluded within a few months, more serious or high-value investigations led by agencies like the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) or HMRC can last a year or more. In cases involving cross-border financial activity, large volumes of digital evidence or multiple defendants, timelines can extend even further.
Engaging experienced Fraud Investigation Solicitors as early as possible is the best way to protect your position and ensure the process moves forward as efficiently as possible. At Draycott Browne, our Fraud Solicitors act quickly to limit unnecessary delays, respond to disclosure requests, and defend your rights at every stage of the investigation.
Fraud Investigations can remain confidential in the early stages, particularly if law enforcement agencies are gathering evidence covertly. However, as the case progresses, certain elements may enter the public domain, especially if the matter is prosecuted or involves a high-profile individual or business.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) often publishes updates on its investigations and charges. Similarly, arrests, court hearings and charges brought by other agencies such as HMRC or the CPS may be reported in the media.
A police interview in a fraud case is usually conducted under caution, meaning that anything you say can be used as evidence. You may be interviewed following arrest or voluntarily, but in both situations the interview is formal and can significantly influence how the case progresses.
During the interview, officers will ask questions about your financial dealings, communications, or actions linked to the alleged offence. The interview may be audio or video recorded and can last several hours, particularly in high-value or document-heavy cases.
You are entitled to legal representation, and having an experienced solicitor present is essential. At Draycott Browne, our Fraud Solicitors will explain the allegations to you clearly, protect you from inappropriate questioning, and ensure that your legal position is safeguarded throughout.
Yes. In many fraud investigations, electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, hard drives and servers may be seized by the authorities. This typically happens under the authority of a search warrant or during a raid, often without advance warning.
The police or Serious Fraud Office may examine these devices for emails, bank records, financial data or communications that could be used as evidence. In some cases, data stored in cloud accounts or encrypted formats may also be targeted.
If your devices have been seized, it is vital to seek immediate advice from experienced Fraud Investigation Solicitors. We will ensure that your legal rights have been observed, assess the scope of the search, and challenge the admissibility of any unlawfully obtained evidence.
Yes. If you are being investigated for fraud, your assets may be frozen through a Restraint Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). This is a powerful tool used by investigators to prevent individuals from disposing of, transferring, or hiding assets that may be connected to criminal activity.
A restraint order can apply to a wide range of assets, including bank accounts, property, investments and even jointly owned or business-held assets. In many cases, individuals are not given advance warning before these orders are imposed.
It’s essential to seek immediate legal advice if you have been served with a restraint order or believe one may be imminent. Our team of specialist Fraud Defence Solicitors and Financial Fraud Lawyers will assess the legality of the order, advise on your rights, and where appropriate, apply to vary or discharge the restrictions imposed.
Civil fraud involves a legal claim brought by one party against another, usually to recover financial loss caused by deception. These cases are heard in the civil courts and can result in orders for compensation, asset freezing or injunctions, but they do not lead to criminal convictions or imprisonment. Civil fraud is typically pursued by companies, financial institutions or private individuals through commercial litigation.
Criminal fraud, on the other hand, is prosecuted by the state through agencies such as the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), HMRC, or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The focus is on punishing wrongdoing and protecting the public. A conviction can result in serious consequences, including prison sentences, fines, confiscation of assets and professional disqualification.
Yes. A fraud case can be dropped before reaching court if there is insufficient evidence, procedural errors, or if it is not considered to be in the public interest to prosecute. This decision is typically made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) after reviewing the available evidence.
In many cases, early intervention from skilled Fraud Solicitors can influence the outcome. We can present evidence in your favour, challenge the basis of the investigation, and make formal representations to the prosecuting authority to close the case.
At Draycott Browne, we have successfully prevented charges from being brought in numerous fraud cases by acting swiftly, strategically and decisively in the early stages. If you are under investigation, contacting us as soon as possible gives you the best chance of avoiding formal proceedings.
Contact our Fraud Defence Lawyers
Draycott Browne's team of lawyers for fraud is nationally regarded across the legal profession and recognised as experts across all matters of fraud, whether alleged against an individual, a business or company officers.
Our Fraud Defence Specialists possess a breadth of knowledge that is unrivaled in the industry and we take great pride in our dedication and professionalism.
As one of the UK's leading Criminal Defence Law Firms, we are relentless in the pursuit of achieving the best result possible for all of our clients and will continuously work hard on your behalf with an attention to detail and tenacity that is second to none.
Our Fraud Solicitors have practised within this area of law for over 25 years. Their experience and expertise in even the most complex and sophisticated Fraud cases means you’ll have the best possible chance of a successful outcome to the challenge you are facing.
Draycott Browne is one of the UK's top criminal law firms. Our Criminal Defence Lawyers regularly provide specialist criminal defence representation in fraud cases to clients in Manchester, Liverpool and London.
We offer our services to clients throughout the whole of England and Wales. When facing serious consequences, trust in Draycott Browne. You cannot afford to settle for anything less. Call our fraud defence team today.