Crime and security (fraud)

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.

Small and medium-sized businesses should do more to protect themselves against online fraud and IT security risks, a panel of experts has said.

Underpaid workers received more than £4.6 million in minimum wage arrears during 2013/14, HM Revenue & Customs has said.

The value of fraudulent insurance claims made in 2012 reached £1.1 billion, according to figures from the Association of British Insurers.