CORPORATE IDENTITY THEFT / BUYER IMPERSONATION FRAUD

A third party fraudster masquerades as a legitimate existing buyer, often using carefully forged documentation which looks authentic, to place an order with a policyholder. The goods are either collected or delivered to an alternative delivery address put forward by the fraudster, who takes delivery and then simply disappears. Unfortunately, this method of fraud is not covered by your policy, as an insured delivery to the correct entity did not take place.

2. FAKE OR SUDDENLY ACTIVE BUSINESSES

This is a more patient form of fraud. The fraudster sets up what is to all appearances a legitimate business, trading with the policyholder over weeks or even months to build confidence. Alternatively, a dormant established company, which may even have had a good reputation and favourable trading history, is acquired by fraudsters to use as a front for their fraudulent scheme. After a series of orders which are paid for on time, the fraudster then places a large order with the policyholder, and simply disappears with the goods, leaving behind an empty warehouse and unattended telephones.

3. PAYMENT INTERCEPTION

Here the fraudster masquerades as the policyholder, and tricks the buyer into making payment into the wrong bank account. This is often preceded by the impersonated “policyholder” instructing the buyer that their banking details have changed, using a forged letterhead. Weak cyber risk controls can also create gaps for this type of fraud. Extreme caution should be exercised whenever you receive a communication that banking details have changed for no good reason.

Red Flags

The following “red flags” can indicate there is a fraudulent scheme at work:

• Unsolicited orders that come in unexpectedly, even if the buyer is a well-known or “blue chip” company.
• The buyer insists on collecting their order directly from the policyholder’s premises, rather than having the policyholder deliver to the buyer’s normal address.
• Modified telephone numbers and email addresses. Be especially careful if generic email addresses are used.
• A buyer that has been quiet for a while, suddenly placing multiple orders across several industry sectors, especially for goods such as FMCG and electronics and cement.
• The order form has inconsistencies in the company logo, and/or spelling mistakes in the document.
• The buyer supplies a full set of financial statements with a credit application.
• The buyer operates in an industry which is incompatible with the main business of the policyholder, such as an IT company placing an order for steel.
• Where shipment is made to a different country to that where the Insured Buyer is registered / domiciled (third party shipments).

4. REPORTING OF FRAUD

Should you encounter any unethical conduct within CGIC or are aware of any financial crime or fraud perpetrated on or by CGIC, we request that this be reported via the Old Mutual Group Fraud Hotline using the numbers / addresses below.  These details may also be found on the CGIC website.

Email: toahotline@tip-offs.com;

Call: 0800 006 930;

SMS: 32840 or

Website: https://www.tip-offs.com/

Know your customer and be sure of whom you are dealing with.

We wish to thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Abdul Vally

General Manager – Trade Credit