Acclaimed crime authors have harnessed the popularity of crime fiction to shed light on real-world fraud tactics. Clare Mackintosh, Vaseem Khan, and CL (Cally) Taylor have teamed up with UK Finance’s Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to produce a trilogy of short stories filled with plot twists and red herrings.
The “read between the lies” stories aim to entertain while educating readers about the deceptive methods used by fraudsters. According to the campaign, fraud remains a prevalent threat, with over £1.17 billion stolen in 2024 alone.
Launch for Take Five Week 2026
The stories, launching during Take Five Week 2026, are inspired by real fraud tactics. They encourage readers to apply the same instincts used by detectives in crime books, television shows, and podcasts to everyday situations. The narratives include cold callers, urgent payment requests, and scenarios that may not be as they seem.
The authors collaborated with the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU) to understand how crimes unfold in real life and the emotional impact on victims. Each story focuses on common and devastating scams, such as romance scams (which led to £20.5 million in losses in the first half of 2025), investment scams (£97.7 million stolen), and impersonation scams (£45.1 million in losses).
Author Perspectives
Clare Mackintosh, a former Thames Valley Police inspector and crime author, stated: “I’ve seen the devastation caused by fraud, but also the impact crime prevention advice can have. Fraud is widespread, and spotting it often involves noticing small clues. This campaign helps people slow down, question what they’re told, and feel confident spotting when something isn’t right.”
Vaseem Khan shared his personal experience: “This campaign is close to my heart because I’ve experienced impersonation fraud, so I know how unsettling it can be. Storytelling can show ordinary people the tactics behind these scams, equipping them to spot signs and protect themselves.”
CL Taylor added: “Crime fiction naturally encourages readers to question what’s happening and look for clues. Using that instinct to help people understand fraud is an effective way to make advice stick and boost confidence in spotting scams.”
Campaign Message
Jess Cook, spokesperson for Take Five to Stop Fraud, said: “Scammers constantly evolve their tactics, using sophisticated methods to catch people off guard and exploit trust. By partnering with crime writers, we bring these tactics to life in a relatable and engaging way, helping people recognise warning signs and remember to stop, challenge, and protect.”
The short stories are available on the Take Five website at takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/read-between-the-lies. The Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign urges the public to: Stop – take a moment to think before acting; Challenge – ask if it could be fake, and refuse any requests that feel wrong; Protect – contact your bank immediately if you suspect you’ve been scammed and report it to the police.
