The National Economic Crime Centre is warning businesses of the dangers of payment diversion fraud, also known as business email compromise, which can leave victims tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket.

It involves criminals impersonating others, creating or amending invoices and diverting payments to bank accounts under their own control. The NECC says: “Whenever you are making a payment to a supplier, or to your solicitor in the case of a house purchase, you should be highly suspicious of any change in account details or new instructions. Always check with a trusted known contact, and if you have any doubt do not transfer the money.” The NECC has a factsheet for businesses here.