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With members of CIFAS, the UK fraud prevention service, identifying a record number of frauds in 2011, businesses need to take extra care when reviewing their security procedures.
Overall, there was a nine percent year-on-year increase in fraud levels, with 236,516 cases reported. This included 113,259 instances of identity fraud (up 10 percent) and 25,070 facility takeover fraud cases – where someone deliberately accesses the victim’s account, policy or other facility for gain. The rise in the latter of these is quite staggering; up 18 percent year-on-year and nearly 300 percent in the past five years.
Consequently, all businesses need to be aware of these risks and take measures to avoid falling foul of fraudulent behaviour.
According to Richard Hurley, CIFAS communications manager, firms can achieve this “by reviewing their security procedures and increasing identification requirements when dealing with applications or by ensuring that individuals regularly change passwords and PIN numbers.
“It’s time for every one of us to start treating data in the same way that we would guard a prized possession; as something to be secured and protected without complacency,” he added.
To find out more about how we can help you, please contact Carvill & Johnson in Northfield, Birmingham. |
