Scots SMES least singled out for fraud across UK

Scotland’s SMES are the least targeted for fraud out of the whole of the UK, according to new research published today by Barclays.

The study, which the lender said is part of its campaign to help small firms tackle cybercrime and fraud, found that 31 per cent of SMES surveyed had been targeted, compared to the national average of 44 per cent.

Of those targeted, one in five in Scotland fell victim, close to the national average of 23 per cent, and three-quarters of those north of the Border said they spent nothing on fraud-prevention methods for their staff in the past year, the highest level in Britain.

Ian Rand, chief executive of Barclays Business Banking, said: “We’re on a mission to educate all small businesses of the growing risk of cybercrime and fraud. However, the good news is that the vast majority of fraud against businesses can be easily prevented. Simple steps to increase security, such as having strong passwords, can all help combat fraud.”