Farm businesses are being warned to remain extra vigilant to the increased risk of fraud as they go through the process of registering and claiming under the new Basic Payment Scheme.
The fraudsters are aware of the timing of the BPS, as much of the information on who receives payments is publicly available. From this criminals are able to target specific individuals.
Members should look out for fraudsters calling or emailing claiming to represent the Rural Payments Agency, their bank or the police.
The victim is usually convinced to hand over bank account details.
The banks and the Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA) have advised there are a number of simple rules that can be followed to reduce the chances of becoming a victim:
- Unsolicited approaches by phone.
- Cold callers who suggest you hang up the phone and call them back, Fraudsters can keep your phone line open by not putting down the receiver at their end.
