Business fraud is simply the intent or the act of misrepresentation – scammers lying about themselves or their actions and services – to cause a gain or loss.
With limited resources and in tough economic conditions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tend to think more about innovation, growth, and survival rather than due diligence, internet controls and risk management. These can often seem expensive, hard work and involve a lot of paperwork.
But this can leave you vulnerable to fraud, with many owners and managers unaware of the risks their businesses face.
It’s important to recognise that fraud can come from anywhere, including:
- staff members
- customers
- suppliers
- third parties, unconnected to the business
From the start, fraud can seem complicated and difficult to understand, as criminals use a variety of tools and techniques.
GP Computers help you Stay Safe with IT support of your computers, servers and Software but your team need to be aware of many things to help prevent business fraud, we have put together below some useful Tips that will help you identify the most common types and take action to protect yourself, your staff and your business.
Top tips to prevent business fraud
Remember these ten simple tips to reduce the risk of business fraud and keep your business and staff safe.
- Be sceptical
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Thoroughly question all:
- deals
- opportunities
- documents
- transactions
- information
- Know your customers and suppliers
When you understand who you do business with you can spot any business request or transaction that looks wrong for that customer or supplier and may be fraudulent.
Conduct due diligence using a risk-based approach, such as checking the customer or supplier details you have on file, as well as online searches.
- Identify areas where your business is vulnerable to fraud
Imagine how a fraudster might target your business, both internally and externally, and test the systems you already use to reduce risk. Make sure you and your staff know those systems and regularly review them.
- Develop a strategy and talk about fraud
Think about the right fraud prevention and detection strategy for your business: it should detail controls and procedures.
Staff look to owners and managers for guidance to acceptable behaviour. Talk about fraud with your staff, suppliers and other contacts. Your staff need to understand the risks and how losses affect the business and themselves.
- Take extra care against cyber attacks
With increasing threats from cybercrime, protect your business technology against attacks. Make sure you back up your systems in case they go wrong.
- Understand your finances
Understand how money leaves your business, including:
- methods of payment
- who has the authority to make those payments?
- who checks payments are legitimate?
Always check your bank statements.
- Secure and protect your property
This includes laptops, computers, smartphones and intellectual property. Factor in business insurance to cover these items if they’re compromised or stolen. Use and maintain inventories.
- Develop an action plan
Consider when you might need professional or legal advice. While prevention is better than cure, it’s important for you and your business to be prepared for the worst. Having an action plan in place will help limit your losses to fraud.
- Always report fraud and get help
Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can also get information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime.
You can also report fraud to the police if you know the suspect or they’re still in the area. Call 101 to speak to one of our operators.
GP have many years of experience in all these areas and now with the ex-Communications Director of Get Safe Online – the UK Governments online advice centre working with us we cannot only look after your IT set up but also advice and train your internal teams
Contact us today for a Free “Health check Security Check-up”
