Directors of commercial companies with more than 50 employees are almost five-and-a-half times more likely to become victims of identity fraud than the average UK resident, according to Experian.

Directors of smaller companies are almost two-and-a-half times more likely to become identity fraud victims, compared to the national average

The analysis is based on over 10,000 identity fraud cases reported to Experian, which has enabled the company to produce its most accurate identity fraud propensity model ever to help companies combat fraud.

Kirk Fletcher, managing director of Experian Automotive, said: "The automotive industry is used to dealing in a risk environment and the majority of dealers have processes in place to check the identity of the vehicles they are trading.

"However, personal identity theft could start affecting automotive businesses more drastically. In addition to the personal loss suffered by the individuals, when they have to take time off work in order to deal with the issue, it also ultimately costs the business too.”