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    Compliance and Whistleblowing at Lidl GB

    Stop Fraud: Criminals are using gift cards sold by UK retailers to defraud members of the public. Please read the advice below on how you can recognise fraud, understand the warning signs, and know what to do if something does not feel right.


    1 Overview


    It is a central principle of Lidl GB that we comply with all applicable laws and internal guidelines. The company observes and maintains the highest levels of corporate governance and implements control frameworks to ensure compliance with its obligations within the global community. We take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of corruption.


    Download Rules Of Conduct To view the PDF you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.


    Anti-Corruption


    Lidl GB strictly prohibits all forms of bribery, fraud and other forms of corruption to win or retain business or influence any business decisions. Our colleagues, contractors and other business partners are prohibited from offering, providing and accepting anything of value, either directly or indirectly with a view of obtaining or retaining business, or to gain an improper business advantage. All forms of fraud are also strictly prohibited.


    Business Partner Compliance


    We have a stringent Business Partner Compliance process in place to ensure potential business partners are vetted, in accordance with our internal due diligence requirement and legal obligations. This ensures that Lidl GB enters into relationships with business partners who meet our commercial and ethical requirements.


    We foster an open and honest culture and encourage our colleagues, business partners and third parties to speak up and report any potential compliance breaches.


    Tax


    Lidl GB ensures that it properly accounts for taxes and pays the right amounts according to tax legislation in force. Click here to see our UK Tax Strategy



    2 What can I report to Compliance?


    As a responsible company, it is of the greatest importance to us to be able to identify and counteract potential serious misconduct as early as possible. We provide a number of channels through which employees, business partners and members of the public can raise such concerns.


    Members of the public, employees and business partners are especially invited to raise genuine concerns relating to:


    • A criminal offence: e.g. bribery, high value theft, fraud, competition law breach.
    • Modern slavery: e.g. human trafficking and forced labour under threat of punishment with no option to resign
    • Someone’s health and safety being in danger: e.g. serious supplier concerns posing a threat to public health.
    • Risk, or actual damage, to the environment: e.g. illegal disposal of hazardous products or waste
    • Conflicts of interests involving companies that Lidl works with i.e. “business partners”.
    • Someone is covering up any of the above.


    3 How to raise concerns with Compliance


    You can raise a concern about a serious breach of law using any of the following channels.

    Your report will be treated confidentially and you may remain anonymous if you would prefer. Please state this in your report.


    Please note that we will forward any misdirected reports, including your contact details if provided, to the relevant department to consider in accordance with applicable law and Lidl GB policy.

    4 Take Five to Stop Fraud


    Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment.


    • STOP: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe. Scammers often try to make you act before you’ve had time to think.
    • CHALLENGE: Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse, or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
    • PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and tell the Policy at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.


    Gift Card Fraud and Scams


    Criminals are using stolen card details – often obtained through phishing – to buy gift cards via mobile payment. If you spot a transaction that you don’t recognise, we advise you to contact your bank as soon as possible as they will be able to help dispute the charge and secure your account.

    A gift card scam is when someone pressures you to buy a gift card and share the code or a photo of it. Once they have the code, they can spend the money.


    • Don’t share a gift card code or photo of the card with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
    • Remember: your bank, the Police, the Home Office and HMRC will never ask you to pay or help with an investigation using gift cards, or pressurise you into buying gift cards.
    • Take a moment if you feel rushed. Scammers often try to make you act before you have had time to think.
    • Before you buy or share a gift card, check the request with someone you trust.
    • Stop and check if it’s genuine if you’re asked to buy gift cards to claim a prize, unlock an offer or help someone.


    The types of stories scammers use


    Scammers can use convincing stories to make buying and sharing gift cards seem normal, urgent or helpful.


    Fake friendship: Someone may build trust with you online, then ask for gift card codes to help with a money problem. They may say they’ll pay you back.


    Fake bank, Police, Home Office or HMRC contact: Someone may say they’re investigating fraud and ask you to buy gift cards to help. Real organisations won’t ask you to do this.


    Fake friend or family message: You may get an email or message that looks like it’s from someone you know, asking you to buy gift cards for an emergency.


    Fake boss or work request: Someone may pretend to be your manager and ask you to buy gift cards for staff rewards or a work event.