Jude McCorry

The Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland is warning businesses that might be looking to book events as a team day activity or treat for clients to be on the lookout for counterfeit tickets.

The centre is urging businesses to be aware of look-alike and unauthorised websites, and, with fake sponsorship ‘opportunities’ also on the rise, businesses need to do their due diligence when approached about becoming a sponsor.

Furthermore, with Business Email Compromise (BEC) becoming a more and more common method of scamming, particularly within a business environment, the centre is urging employees to be vigilant. BEC involves fraudsters using fake but convincingly designed emails to compromise email accounts and therefore potentially access sensitive data.

With fake invoices being an example of BEC likely to be used during the Fringe, the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland is encouraging organisations to ensure that their staff have received robust cybercrime and fraud prevention training and are aware of how to identify and respond to potential security threats in the workplace.

Jude McCorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, said: “It’s crucial that organisations have well-developed and tested cybersecurity systems in place all year round, but businesses might find themselves particularly vulnerable during the Fringe.

“Education and communication are foundational to being well-prepared against the threat of cybercrime and fraud. We would encourage Edinburgh’s businesses to stay aware of the cyber climate around them, implement robust security measures and ensure their staff are sufficiently trained to give themselves the best possible chance of enjoying a Fringe festival free from fraud.”

Lyndsey Jackson, deputy chief executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, added: “The Fringe is a wonderful celebration of creativity and community and we’d encourage everyone to jump in and take part as see as many shows as you can squeeze in.

“To keep yourself and your business fraud safe always buy directly from the venue or the Fringe Box Office, website and app and look for the STAR Logo for extra assurance and if something looks too good to be true, then it probably is.”