Fake invoice

Fake invoices for services that correspond to an expected invoice.

How the fraud works:

Fraudsters send payment demands in the name of other companies. They claim, for example that an invoice has not been paid. These fake invoices may be very similar to an expected invoice in their contents and services-, because the fraudsters will have researched the details beforehand.

The fake invoice may come by mail or post. Sometimes letterheads from real vendors are used. Employees also sometimes receive a reminder immediately following a call to lace employees under pressure. It is not uncommon that fake order documents are included to justify the invoice. Such documents use published signatures from management (e.g. from balance sheets).

How can you protect yourself in this case?

  • If you receive a suspicious invoice, get in touch with a known contact at the company immediately by telephone.
  • Do not answer the mail and do not open any attachments.

What to do if you are affected:

Recall the transfer immediately through the bank where you hold your account with notification to the recipient bank. Amounts that have already been credited are usually only very difficult to recover. Report the case to the police.