Graydon’s new head of intelligence is keen to expand membership of the firm’s reseller-focused fraud-busting network.

Alan Norton took over from predecessor Mark Ancell last week and is warning that resellers are the top target for fraudsters, as the majority of distributors have their anti-fraud house in order.

Launched in 2008, Gray­don’s IT Reseller Intelligence Network aims to enable resellers to share information on customers and help root out problem clients.

It also offers information through a dedicated portal on issues such as overdue payment, cheque/direct debit defaults, accounts in dispute and exceeded credit limits. Members are sent critical alerts from Graydon on fraud types to watch out for.

Norton told CRN: “Most distributors now have their anti-fraud procedures up to date and it is more difficult for fraudsters to target them. These fraudsters have now moved down the channel and resellers are in the firing line.”

Norton also said the fraudsters’ tastes have changed over the years.

“At first they were after consumables such as chips and ink cartridges, then they moved on to laptops, digital cameras and plasma screens, but at the moment they are particularly interested in audiovisual equipment and smartphones,” he said.

Laurie Beagle, divisional director of credit management specialist P&A Recei­vables Services, said an initiative such as this was needed in the channel.

“I am a great believer in sharing information and the best information around has got to be that from your peers. Graydon has a good track record on sharing information and I think this is an excellent idea and a good thing for resellers to get involved with.”

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