Please be aware that active phishing attempts by online fraudsters impersonating senior staff in well-known food and retail chains have been identified. Emails have requested genuine business rates details of branches in Local Authority areas on the pretext that they are shut and unavailable from local staff. We must emphasise the importance of verifying the identity of those who approach you for key information such as business rate details and working with the banks to help them identify suspicious payments.
Fraudsters can use logos and other open source data such as head office address, telephone numbers etc. to create letters that look convincing. This enables them to get business rates details for a number of branches and submitted fraudulent claims that are then paid. Investigations suggest this type of fraud is organised and crosses Local Authority boundaries.
Please inform the Department by emailing businessgrantfunds@beis.gov.uk and copying counterfraud@beis.gov.uk of any similar instances you identify, so that we can work with you to assess the situation and coordinate a joint response, if appropriate.
Thank you for your continued vigilance.
Business Grants Team
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