Businesses warned about food fraud activity

The fraud, which involves identity theft, could result in unsafe food being offered for sale. Fraudsters are alleged to have targeted small wholesale food businesses that supply meat, seafood and fruit and vegetables. They work by acquiring authentic letter heads of the legitimate company and change the telephone, email and fax details. They then contact a genuine wholesaler/ importer and place a food order with them. This business, after completing credit checks, agrees to supply the food; however before the delivery is made, the driver is contacted and the location switched – usually to the roadside or a car park. The fraudsters then attempt to sell the goods elsewhere. West Yorkshire Police's Economic Crime Unit is leading the investigation into the fraud. Detective Sergeant Peter McBay commented on what businesses should be doing to protect their themselves: "We would urge all food businesses to be on the lookout for this sort of fraud and urge them to: always check who you are doing business with, as well as doing credit checks, make a call to the business too, and get your delivery drivers to ring if they are asked to make changes to their schedule if you are suspicious at any stage call your local police." Police officers have already arrested seven men from Dewsbury, Bradford, Wakefield and Brighton, on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. They have all been released on bail pending further enquiries. Colin Houston, deputy head of Enforcement Support Division at the FSA, raised his concerns: "If food is not stored or handled correctly it can become a breeding ground for germs and eating it could cause food poisoning. We would urge people to be on the lookout for food that might not appear to be fresh and/or is being sold very cheap. Remember if the offer looks too good to be true, it probably has a hidden catch." If people are concerned they should contact their local authority. Weblink: www.food.gov.uk