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Invoice fraud: How to identify and report a fake invoice

Invoice fraud: recognising and avoiding the traps

Invoice fraud is an increasingly common scam where fraudsters modify payment details on invoices to divert funds. This practice is not limited to professional transactions - it can also affect personal purchases.

The typical scenario

You've had a new kitchen installed and received an invoice from the supplier. You pay the amount into the account number mentioned on the invoice but receive a payment reminder a few weeks later. You're probably a victim of a fake invoice. Fraudsters have intercepted the invoice and modified the beneficiary's account number. You only discover the scam when you receive the payment reminder from your supplier and have to pay the amount again.

How are invoices intercepted?

One method is to remove them from the postal circuit, for example by retrieving them from bpost's red post boxes.

Invoices can also be stolen from companies' sorting services or even from individuals (from their mailboxes or from papers left on the pavement for collection). Moreover, digital invoice fraud is becoming increasingly common. In this case, fraudsters intercept an invoice sent to you by email and modify the beneficiary's account number before sending it back to you..

How to recognise a fake invoice

1. Compare the account number on the invoice with the one on the order form or the supplier's official website.
2. Be extra cautious when an invoice has a new account number or has a "Attention, account number change" sticker on the invoice or envelope. Sometimes, fraudsters even change the phone number.
3. Always take the time to check the account number on a first invoice sent by a seller or supplier before paying it.
4. When you receive an invoice by email, check that the email address is correct.
5. In case of doubt, do not pay and contact the company via the phone number or email address you know.

What to do if you've paid a fake invoice?

If you're a victim of invoice fraud, you can:

1. File a complaint with the police.
2. Immediately alert your bank to try to block the funds before they disappear. If the bank cannot do so despite all efforts, you will not be compensated.
3. Contact the suppliers or sellers. It's possible that the reminder you received was an error and not a sign of fraud.
4. Report the incident to the  « Point of Contact» (option "fake invoice"). You will receive, at the end of the procedure, advice and information on the steps to take and the people who can help you.

Note that paying an invoice into the wrong account does not cancel the debt to the original invoice issuer.

Invoice fraud poses a significant threat and requires constant vigilance. By verifying details carefully and adopting rigorous verification practices, you can effectively safeguard yourself against these financial scams. Don't hesitate to explore our tips and tricks via the link below to protect yourself from phishing dangers.

Protect yourself from fraud and phishing