A fifth of UK employees admit to ‘moonlighting’ for a competitor

• 1 in 5 have used fake references to apply for a job or know someone who has.
• 7 practical steps employers can take to protect people, culture, and reputation.

1 in 5 (19%) of UK professionals have admitted to secretly juggling two competing jobs – known as polygamous working – and nearly a quarter (24%) think it’s ‘justifiable’, according to research published by the UK-leading fraud prevention service, Cifas. 

The ‘Workplace Fraud Trends’ research from Cifas surveyed 2,000 employees across different sectors – from HR to engineering and finance to IT – and seniority levels. It reveals a growing tolerance for behaviours once considered taboo and unacceptable – from faking job references and selling access to company systems, to working for competitors in secret. 

Out of the five scenarios presented to respondents, using fraudulent reference houses – to produce fake employment references and credentials to deceive recruiters and employers during the hiring process was deemed ‘justifiable’ by 30% of respondents. 

Expenses fraud – including claiming personal meals as business expenses – was the most commonly committed (24%) type of fraud

Key findings include:

• 1 in 8 (13%) employees admit to sharing company login details for money – often believing it’s harmless.
• Almost a fifth (19%) say they or someone they know has used fraudulent reference houses to cover employment gaps.
• Gambling-related insider threats also emerged, with an eighth (13%) of respondents knowing someone who used company funds to place bets.

In a worrying trend, 88% of business owners and 70% of C-suite executives said certain unlawful behaviours are justifiable – underscoring the need for leadership for fraud prevention training and measures to be implemented throughout the whole company.

Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, said: “These insights suggest a shift in workplace norms and raise urgent questions about organisational culture, risk management, and accountability.

“Our Workplace Fraud Trends research doesn’t solely reflect individual choices; it reveals systemic blind spots to a whole range of rising threats impacting the workplace – from polygamous working to UK professionals using fraudulent reference houses.

“Organisations must take steps urgently to build effective counter-fraud cultures in the workplace, strengthening prevention, and empowering employees to do the right thing.”

Keith Rosser, Chair of The Better Hiring Institute and Director of Reed Screening, added: “Hiring fraud, driven by modern working styles and AI, is a quickly growing challenge for organisations. Since the Better Hiring Institute, Cifas, and Reed Screening launched the UK's first guide on Tackling Hiring Fraud in Parliament the issue has steadily grown.

“Polygamous working and the use of Reference Houses are two of the largest issues impacting UK business, along with fake IT workers and AI-enabled fraud. It is essential companies protect themselves against this expanding issue.”

The full report is available to download here. 

What can employers do?

Considering these findings, organisations are encouraged to take proactive steps to strengthen their counter-fraud culture and reduce risk:

• Assess your vulnerabilities: Conduct regular fraud risk assessments to identify gaps – and act on them swiftly.
• Vet beyond the CV: Scrutinise qualifications and work history thoroughly. Consider using specialist vetting services to verify authenticity.
• Make ongoing background checks: Don’t stop at onboarding – continue checks throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Empower through training: Equip staff with the knowledge to spot red flags through regular fraud prevention training.
• Monitor with purpose: Keep an eye on behavioural red flags – not to micromanage, but to lead responsibly.
• Build a culture of accountability: Create clear codes of conduct and confidential reporting channels, including anonymous whistleblowing options.
• Support your people: Offer wellbeing resources to reduce the personal and financial pressures that can lead to dishonest behaviour.

Cifas has a range of best-in-class products and services to help organisations tackle insider fraud, including:

• Vision supports organisations in managing employee risk and monitors behavioural changes in real time.
• Insider Threat Protect helps target internal risks through data, intelligence, and learning.
• Cifas Fraud and Cyber Academy courses and the Digital Learning programme empower workforces with critical fraud prevention skills – adding a vital layer of protection.  

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact Hayley Paterson, Cifas Press and PR Manager, on 020 4551 7072 or press@cifas.org.uk. 

Survey methodology

The survey was carried out by Opinion Matters between 14 July-21 July 2025 on behalf of Cifas with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK-based employees (18+) working in companies employing 1,000+ people with UK operations, guaranteeing at least 500 respondents worked from home for some or all the time.

About Cifas

Cifas is the UK’s leading not-for-profit fraud prevention service with nearly 800 members from across key economic sectors including banking, retail, insurance, and telecoms. Cifas protects businesses and individuals from fraud through the sharing of data and intelligence sharing between the private, public and third sectors. Website | LinkedIn | X

In addition to providing products and services which help businesses prevent more than £2.1bn in fraud losses each year, Cifas delivers specialist training through its Cifas Fraud and Cyber Academy and Digital Learning programme. 

About Opinion Matters

Opinion Matters is an independent market research agency that create bespoke market research solutions for businesses, organisations, and agencies worldwide. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.

Contact us at press@cifas.org.uk