It Could Happen To You

Kent Brushes, a small business with a rich history dating back to 1777, faced a devastating blow when £1.6 million was stolen in a matter of minutes through a sophisticated authorised push payment (APP) scam. This case study delves into the challenges and frustrations experienced by the business owner, Steve Wright, as he navigated the aftermath of the fraud and criticised the response from both his bank and Action Fraud.

In July, the financial controller of Kent Brushes fell victim to a manipulation tactic employed by cyber criminals. The fraudsters, using an authorised push payment scam, convinced the employee that the company's funds were at risk, ultimately gaining unauthorised access to the company's bank account. In less than 20 minutes, they executed dozens of fraudulent transactions, siphoning off a staggering £1.6 million.

Steve Wright, the owner of Kent Brushes, recalls the moment he learned about the theft as incomprehensible. "My stomach dropped. My initial thought was, 'this must be a mistake.' Surely the bank will be on hand to help us recover the money," he expressed. The emotional impact of the incident was profound, compounded by the realisation that a trusted employee had unwittingly facilitated the theft.

Mr. Wright's frustrations extended to the response from both his bank and Action Fraud. He criticised the handling of the case as "appalling," raising questions about the effectiveness of the existing mechanisms in place to address such financial crimes. The challenges faced by small businesses in dealing with the aftermath of fraud highlight the need for improved support and responsiveness from authorities.

Amidst the case, Adrian Searle, the director of the National Economic Crime Centre, emphasised the need for longer prison sentences for those convicted of fraud. He pointed out that while the maximum sentence for fraud is 10 years, the average sentence is only around two years. Searle stressed the importance of considering the emotional impact of fraud and called for a more robust legal framework to deter and punish offenders.

The case of Kent Brushes is not isolated, as evidenced by the alarming statistics provided by the Home Office. In the year leading to March 2023, there were 1.25 million recorded cases of fraud. However, only around 4% of these cases were investigated, with just over 4,000 resulting in court proceedings. The figures underscore the challenges in effectively addressing and prosecuting fraud on a national scale.

The £1.6 million heist at Kent Brushes serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities small businesses face in the digital age. Beyond financial losses, the emotional toll on victims and the challenges in seeking redress underscore the need for a comprehensive and responsive approach to combating fraud. As law enforcement officials call for stricter measures, it prompts a broader conversation about the systemic issues in dealing with economic crimes and the necessary reforms needed to protect businesses from such devastating incidents.

To avoid this for you and your business reach out to us at TechForce Cyber

Taken from the BBC news article 22 October 2023