West Yorkshire Police have warned small firms in the area that fraud cases are on the rise - something that could highlight a need for adequate business insurance.
The force attributed the increase in the crime to the current economic climate, which it believes has caused the number of fraud reports to more than double over the last two years.
In West Yorkshire, there were 142 such offences in 2007, climbing to 300 in 2009, and police expect the 2010 figures to be higher yet again.
A police spokesperson said: "This is why West Yorkshire Police are working closely with banks and local business to raise awareness and to minimise the trend."
Government advice website Business Link urges companies that suspect they are being targeted by fraudsters to contact their business insurance providers immediately.
The Fraud Advisory Panel also advises firms to check that their business insurance policy is consistent with "current business risks".
