When tasked with writing a blog for Forensics, my initial instinct was to portray what we do as something closer to a CSI show, aptly named “The Forensic Files – Partners in Crime”, sadly however, I feel that any reader may see straight through the glamorous facade that I am trying to create around the world of forensic accounting and stop reading my blog in order to find an author who merits their time…

I have to concede, as much as I would love to live in the crime solving world of CSI, it is not the case. However, I do find myself reporting on ever more complex types of financial crime and fraud, both in the UK and abroad. As a result of the increasing complexity of the fraud we report on, it has resulted in our work being at the forefront of financial crime reporting.

The reality is that financial crime can and does affect all of us (this is the point where I hope you will continue reading) and it does not discriminate between large corporations and individuals, everyone is at risk from being subjected to some type of financial crime, and in most cases in the UK it will be fraud.

Unfortunately, fraud will cost our economy an estimated £73 billion in 2012 and this has more than doubled from 2010. Everyone is capable of being defrauded, at a personal level the obvious applies; not giving key financial details out to anyone over email or telephone, covering your pin and regularly checking your accounts for unusual activity or other signs of fraud, which are all good first steps for individuals to take to protect their money. For businesses, it is not as simple, there are key areas in every business that are more susceptible to fraud and owners should be aware of any weaknesses in their business.

HW Forensic Accountants offer a full “fraud health check” for businesses that range from sole traders up to large companies, giving those involved piece of mind that their business is far better prepared to repel anyone who attempts to fraudulently take income at a time when very few can afford it. We also offer a full range of other services to help your company weather this financial storm, including expense control and business advisory services.

If you have any queries about our services and what it is we can do to help you or your company, please do not hesitate to contact David Bell on 0141 227 4700 or dbell@hwca.com for more information about what HW Forensic Accountants has to offer.