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