Summer 2018 Online scams A handful of fraud Technology has made our lives easier, but stay alert to these five cyber risks Almost two million cyber-related fraud incidents in the UK cost the private sector 144bn in 2016, according to a National Audit Office (NAO) report, which claims the police are not doing enough to combat the growing threat. For too long as a low-value, but high-volume crime online fraud has been overlooked by government, law enforcement and industry, says Sir Amyas Morse, chief of the NAO. It is now the most commonly experienced crime in England and Wales, and demands an urgent response. There is arguably not a lot we can do about the governments response to increased cyber crime, but we can help protect ourselves by keeping up to date on the threats out there. While technology has improved our working lives, it also puts small businesses at risk. By staying alert to the latest scams, you can better protect your business and your customers. 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Check invoices for things such as spelling errors, incorrect logos or unusual bank details and, if in doubt, call the sender and verify its legitimacy. Click numbers for the 5 online scams 1 2 3 4 5 Keeping our heritage safe A Grade II-listed, former textile-printing factory in Moseley, Birmingham, presented some challenges when it came to satisfying fire safety standards and maintaining its unique historic features. So south Birminghams fire safety team and the officer for heritage protection at West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) worked closely with the community charity that runs the building to come up with solutions. Parts of the old factory are 18th century, but the main elements date from the Edwardian period and the 1920s. It now houses a range of creative projects including business start-ups, skill-sharing groups, and social-based youth art and music organisations that bring communities together. Conscious of keeping the financial burden on the charity as low as possible, itstrustees and the fire safety team agreed proportionate and cost-effective fire safety solutions. These included raising fire safety awareness among those who occupy the building, and highlighting the importance of manual call points, means of escape to safe areas, and fire alarm detection in higher risk areas. Local fire crews also familiarised themselves with the buildings layout to establish robust, tactical firefighting plans and offer advice on keeping safe from fire. Credit: Darren Marshall Credit: Mark Williams, CEO of IT company Pensar; Image: istock / Hailshadow For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service