Fraud and electronic crime was burgeoning, yet was too often swept under the carpet by people and companies who were too ashamed to admit they have been swindled, a report says.

In 2002 Victorians were fleeced of what has been conservatively estimated to be more than $641 million by fraudsters and electronic criminals.

Yet during a two year inquiry into the area the Victorian Parliamentary Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee found a widespread unwillingness to own up to having been a victim.

The committee's final report handed down yesterday was accompanied by 51 recommendations largely aimed at bringing fraud and electronic crime more into the open.

Committee chair Carolyn Hirsh said white collar crime was growing but companies were some of the most reluctant victims to lay charges.

"We have heard evidence that fraud is increasing but an accurate measurement ... is difficult to obtain," she said.

"It is often undetected and even when detected is often not reported to law enforcement agencies."

At smh.com.au

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