Advice has been issued to farmers in Dorset urging them not to fall victim to ‘payment diversion fraud’.

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments are expected to be paid to farmers this month. Action Fraud says last year’s payments can be easily found on the government website allowing fraudsters to know when and how much potential targets will receive.

Fraudsters who claim to be a trusted senior colleague or established customer might ask a potential victim to change their direct debit, standing order or amend their bank transfer so the payment can be diverted to a bank account in their control.

They will often request this under the pretence of a highly sensitive or urgent transaction. Contact can be made via phone or letter, but is most commonly made via email used by the organisation or employee which has been spoofed or hacked.

Action Fraud says all staff and not just finance teams should be aware of the fraud. It urges companies to always verify email payment changes with an organisation directly using established contact details.

If contacted via phone call, recipients should ask for a main switchboard number to be directed back to the caller. Alternatively, hang up and called them back using established contact details.

There should also be a system in place which allows staff to properly verify contact from their CEO or senior members of staff, Action Fraud says.