Crime and security (fraud)

4 in 10 businesses faced security threat in the last year.

Cold-callers could face fines of up to £500,000.

Scam calls widely reported ahead of self-assessment deadline.

Public told to ‘be alert’ to fraudsters.

Directors twice as likely to be targeted by identity thieves.

‘Ruthless’ fraudsters target over-65s and the vulnerable.

Businesses are underestimating the importance of cyber security with 28% of cyber attacks being reported to the police, according to research by the Institute of Directors.

Fraudulent banking services, credit brokers and investment opportunities are the most common scams used by cold-callers, according to analysis by Citizens Advice.

A quarter of businesses with intellectual property rights have had their patent violated over the past 5 years, research by the Federation of Small Businesses has found.

Fraudulent pension schemes, employer impersonation and fake financial advice are some of the tactics used to defraud pensioners, according to Citizens Advice.