One in three UK channel companies have been targeted by fraudsters during the past year, and the problem is set to increase, according to research by credit reference firm Graydon.
The firm sent questionnaires to about 6,000 UK credit managers, and just six per cent of respondents believed identity fraud was reducing.
Speaking exclusively to CRN, Gordon Skaljak, head of marketing at Graydon, said: “Fraud is a growing problem and fraudsters are getting wiser. The IT industry has always been vulnerable to this type of attack. One in three firms have received a credit application from a business wanting to obtain goods or services fraudulently.”
Skaljak added that identity fraud can come in many guises, including forged accounts filed at Companies House, changing the address on official documents and using forged signatures to get goods delivered to a different address.
Martin Williams, managing director of Graydon, said: “VARs should look for delivery addresses that look residential, mobile phone numbers and non business-type email addresses on credit-application forms.”
Eddie Pacey, director of credit at Bell Microproducts Europe, said: “Fraud is still a growing problem and identity theft is the most sophisticated type. The channel needs to be more aware and constantly reminded how easy it is to fall victim to fraud.”
>> Further reading:
Firms more at risk from ID fraud
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