The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has written to the secretary of state for policing, Nick Herbert, as well as the National Fraud Authority and the National Fraud Surveillance Bureau, on behalf of members who have been victims of identity fraud.

There have been several high profile cases of identity fraud - largely through electronic means -in the industry in recent months and the trade body is looking to stamp out the crime.

The FPC said in a statement: “The UK enjoys a valuable trading relationship with EU members, sourcing a large volume of fresh produce from within the European Union. The undermining of UK businesses and the UK’s reputation as a whole will have a significant effect on the viability of UK businesses and UK food security.

“This could have a significant impact on reputable companies trading legally, and therefore we believe that action is required urgently by the authorities to seek out and eliminate these instances of identity fraud.”

FPC has pressed the secretary of state for his urgent attention in resolving the matter and urged its members to be aware of this issue and in particular to check themselves and with their suppliers that they are dealing with the actual company and not a ‘front’ impersonating the company by using its identity.

There are sources of advice available for companies such as Mind your own business: a practical guide to identity fraud prevention for business’ produced by www.stop-idfraud.co.uk.

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