Warning to Fife businesses after fraudsters steal thousands
Last updated 13th Jun 2018
Police in Fife are issuing a security warning to local businesses in the Kingdom after fraudsters stole tens of thousands of pounds from a builder’s client.
The firm was commissioned by a client near Cupar to construct a new home in the area, with payment for the work being provided upon receipt of invoices.
On Wednesday 6th June, 2018 the clients received an email from the builder's account providing new bank details to transfer the outstanding balance of the invoice to.
Over £45,000 in cash was transferred to the new account and police were contacted after the builder confirmed he had not received payment, nor had he sent any email with amended bank details.
Inquiries have since established the genuine email address was hacked and others are now being urged to ensure they have appropriate web security in place.
Sergeant Stuart Hay of Cupar Police Station said: "The clients received an email from the trusted email address of their builder and complied with the request to send payment to a new account. It was not until the builder found that no new funds had been deposited in his bank that the hack was identified and our investigation is now underway to identify those responsible.
"For small local firms, the loss of such high revenue could be disastrous and we would urge all businesses to make sure their email accounts, websites and all other means of engaging with customers have all the necessary security in place to safeguard themselves against hackers and scammers.
"For members of the public, the loss of such money can have life changing implications and we would urge the public to remain vigilant against this type of crime, checking the authenticity of material changes to where payments are sent.
"If you have information relating to this incident please come forward immediately."
Those with information can contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 712 of the 6th June. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.