BRC report calls for new unit to tackle web crime

The trade body is writing to minister for crime prevention James Brokenshire to develop a standalone agency.

The BRC said the police response to online fraud was “too often inadequate”, and had failed to keep pace with the threat. It said retailers state a crime is attempted in as much as a third of online transactions.

In its report Future of Online Security: Tackling e-crime and Fraud said improved communication between police and retailers was needed, as investigations are often duplicated.

The report said some retailers find that third-party screening costs 7p per transaction. Retailers also invest heavily in internal fraud prevention such as manual checking processes and investigation teams.

It said despite the existence of various law enforcement agencies with responsibility for e-crime including the Serious Fraud Office and Serious and Organised Crime Agency, there is often no co-ordination between the organisations.

It said a dedicated unit would ensure retailers were well protected and that the checks needed to be robust to ensure retailers do not lose legitimate customers either via too stringent tests or by making the process too burdensome.