Fake invoice scams try to get business’ money

John North is president of the Dayton Better Business Bureau.

Fake invoice scams are nothing new and pull in billions for scammers from businesses every year. These scams occur when a scam artist sends a company a bogus invoice/bill requesting payment for goods or services.

The invoice may say the due date has passed and you could face severe penalties if it’s not paid

.

Fake invoice scams come in different shapes and sizes. For instance, some are invoices for directory listings, domain renewals, magazine subscriptions and/or office supplies. Technology has made it easy for scammers to make their invoices look legitimate. However, they all have the same common goal: to trick you out of your money.

The Better Business Bureau offers advice for avoiding these scams:

• Be wary of invoices that use similar or identical names as legitimate businesses.

• Educate yourself and your staff about phony invoices and solicitations.

• Designate certain employees to make business purchases. Channel all invoices through one department.

• Verify invoices and solicitation with the person who gave written or verbal authorization.

• Check your records to confirm claims of previous business dealing with a company or seller.

• Carefully read all invoices. Call the company directly to check if it’s an actual invoice from them.

• Do not be alarmed by language indicating an unfamiliar unpaid invoice will be forwarded to a collection agency.

• Look closely at the company logo on the invoice. Many scammers scan the legitimate logo from a legitimate source and print it onto their own paper. The logo often won’t appear as sharp on a scanned version.

• Beware of invoices that are different from previous ones.

• Watch for invoices with even number totals. Be wary if you get an invoice and no tax was applied.

• Know your rights. If you receive supplies or invoices for services you didn’t order, then don’t pay. It’s illegal for a seller to invoice you, send threatening notices for merchandise you didn’t order or ask you to return the merchandise.

• Immediately contact your bank or local police if you become aware you paid a fake invoice.

If you feel you've been a victim, then be sure to contact the Ohio Attorney General's office at www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/ or the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov. Also, report it to BBB Scam Tracker by visiting www.bbb.org/scamtracker.

About the Author