Unfortunately, criminals will use every opportunity they can to scam innocent people and their businesses. They are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment.

How to protect your business

Stop

• if you receive a request to make an urgent payment, change supplier bank details, or provide financial information, take a moment to stop and think

Challenge

• it could be a fake – verify all payments and supplier details directly with the company on a known phone number or in person first

Protect

• contact your business’s bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud

National Cyber Security Centre

The National Cyber Security Centre also has advice on how to keep your business secure online