A white paper published by Big 4 company PricewaterhouseCoopers has predicted that the downturn will see a number of high profile cases being prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office.
It also expects to see more Ponzi schemes - fraudulent investment funds - coming to light as they fail to keep up with the promises which have been made by their organisers.
Andrew Gordon, a partner at PwC, explained that many people are now feeling the pinch and this could push them into illegal activities.
He said: "Sales targets seem evermore out of reach, bonuses are under threat and people’s reputations and livelihoods are at stake. Together these can be powerful motives for individuals to cross the line."
Recently, Petra Wilton, director of policy and research at the Chartered Institute of Management Accounts, warned that firms of all sizes are at risk of being damaged by fraudulent activity and as such should take appropriate precautions.
