Workplace fraudsters more likely to be young

But the recent research looking at the impact of fraud in the workplace shows only 27 per cent of staff fraudsters were reported to the police in 2010.

It reveals fraudsters aged under 21 are the most likely to be guilty of data theft related offences, and that there has been a visible increase in all frauds committed by the youngest age ranges.

It found 29 per cent of staff fraudsters aged under 21 being guilty of data-related staff frauds, compared with only three per cent aged 41-50 and not a single instance of any fraudster aged over 50 committing such crimes.

Richard Hurley, communications manager at CIFAS, the UK’s fraud prevention service, says young people have grown up in a digital world and are aware of the value of data. Also, they are sometimes directly recruited by criminal gangs to work for them inside organisations.

Arjun Medhi, a staff fraud advisor for CIFAS, said: “Much attention is given to the dangers posed to organisations by criminal gangs operating in the world of cyber hacking, or by customers applying fraudulently for products and services.

“The dangers of staff fraud, however, are just as real; both financially and in terms of reputation. This reputational risk may explain the reluctance to report cases to the police, but without additional steps such as enhanced vetting procedures and data sharing, internal fraudsters will simply be able to move on and deceive their way into new positions.”

Economic uncertainty also means more people are trying to use false details to get a job.