Cases of insider fraud are on the rise

The number of instances of insider fraud is on the rise, according to new research.

The CIFAS Staff Fraud Database has revealed that there was a 14.5 per cent increase in these offences last year when compared to 2010.

It was also reported that there was a 41 per cent spike in the number of dishonest actions by members of staff in order to deceive their workplace.

Arjun Medhi, CIFAS Staff fraud adviser, said: "The idea that our direct colleagues might be committing fraud is an uncomfortable one, so the fact that staff fraud levels have increased is therefore one that must concern all responsible employers."

He went on to say that it was important to acknowledge and combat the potential weaknesses that organisations have, in order to prevent internal fraud.

Fraudulent activity could include anything from lying on expenses forms to the unlawful obtaining of personal data from a company's system.