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Possession of articles for use in frauds / Making or supplying articles for use in frauds

Fraud Act 2006, s.6, s.7 · Triable either way

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Sentencing framework

The guideline outlines a structured approach to sentencing for offences involving possession and supply of articles for use in frauds. It categorizes offences based on culpability and harm, allowing for tailored sentencing that includes both maximum penalties and a defined range of potential sentences. Aggravating and mitigating factors are considered to adjust sentences accordingly.

Maximum sentence

5 years’ custody for possession; 10 years’ custody for making or supplying

Court

Triable either way

Starting point

18 months’ custody for section 6; 4 years 6 months’ custody for section 7

Offence range

Band A fine – 3 years’ custody for section 6; Band C fine – 7 years’ custody for section 7

Aggravating factors

  • ·Previous convictions
  • ·Offence committed while on bail
  • ·Failure to comply with current court orders

Mitigating factors

  • ·No previous convictions
  • ·Remorse
  • ·Positive character and/or exemplary conduct
  • ·Serious medical conditions requiring urgent, intensive or long-term treatment

Sentencing range explorer

Select the culpability level and harm category to see the guideline's starting point and category range. This is an educational illustration of the published guideline — not a sentence calculation, and not legal advice. Courts apply the full step-by-step process, aggravating and mitigating factors, and the totality principle.

Culpability

Harm

Select a culpability level and a harm category above.

The sentencing process, step by step

  1. Step 1 — determining the offence category
  2. Step 2 — assessing culpability and harm
  3. Step 3 — considering factors indicating a reduction
  4. Step 4 — reduction for guilty pleas
  5. Step 5 — considering totality
  6. Step 6 — considering confiscation and compensation orders
  7. Step 7 — giving reasons for the sentence
  8. Step 8 — consideration for time spent on bail

Always read the full guideline

This is a one-page summary. For any live case, sentencing exercise, or legal advice the authoritative source is the Sentencing Council's own definitive guideline — including the category bands, step-by-step sentencing approach, and all statutory factors not captured here.

Open the full guideline on sentencingcouncil.org.uk

Source: Sentencing Council · Crown copyright, licensed under Open Government Licence v3.0. Summary fetched 2026-06-28. Not legal advice — see a regulated adviser for any live case.