Fraud can be perpetrated in a number of ways through deception, with false representation deliberately made to make gains for themselves or others financially under unlawful means a key issue.
Impact
Businesses can suffer massively with deception as it can result in a huge loss of revenue if money is fraudulently taken from bank accounts. Customers can lose trust in companies if they are seen to be susceptible to fraud.
Prevention
If businesses are taking large payments, they can use preventative measures such as asking for ID on payments over a certain amount. Businesses who take card payments should also look at Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) which is a worldwide security standard for card payments.
Report it
- Fraud committed against Welsh businesses should be reported to Action Fraud, either online; or by calling 0300 123 2040.
- Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud reporting centre where you should report fraud if you have been scammed or defrauded.
- Action Fraud provides a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime. The service is run by the National Fraud Authority – the government agency that helps to co-ordinate the fight against fraud in the UK. Action Fraud work with partners in law enforcement - the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, run by the City of London Police - to make sure your fraud reports reach the right place.
- When you report to Action Fraud you will receive a police crime reference number. Reports taken are passed to the police who may contact you for further information. Action Fraud does not investigate the cases and cannot advise you on the progress of a case.