Insights

Telephone fraud involves criminals contacting you by phone (vishing) or by text (Smishing) pretending to be your bank, credit card issuer, utility company or often a computer company. During the conversation they will try and trick you into giving personal, banking or security information. Fraud perpetrators may also convince you to make a money transfer to them or inform you that you have won a prize and need to send money to release it. Their intention is to use this information to commit fraud against you or other parties in your name.

Email fraud (“Phishing”) involves fraud perpetrators making contact by email and can take a number of forms. The email may appear to be from a reputable company however when one clicks on the email or attachment or link within the email, malicious software (malware) is downloaded onto the PC or other device allowing the fraud perpetrator to track online activity and identify personal or financial information for fraudulent purposes. Both individuals and companies can be victims of this type of crime.

Business Email Compromise (BEC) Fraud (or CEO Fraud) is similar to Invoice Redirection Fraud however in this case junior employees in the finance department of a company receive an email from a fraud perpetrator purporting to be the Chief Executive Officer stating that an important deal or some other urgent matter is pending and that a substantial payment needs to be processed immediately.

Employees may be trusted with certain procurement responsibilities which can provide opportunities to commit fraud-related offenders. It’s difficult to identify the risks. A common sense approach is always essential.