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Business & invoices

Fake invoices and unordered services

An unfamiliar supplier sends an official-looking bill for advertising, listings, supplies or a subscription you did not order.

See response steps Share this in a workshop
Two people reviewing and writing on paper beside laptops

If you have one minute

Pause, then verify independently.

No purchase request or contract

Before paying

Match order, delivery and invoice

See verification steps →

If you paid or shared details

Pause payment

See response steps →

Start with these three signs

  • No purchase request or contract
  • Vague service and charges
  • Claims a phone confirmation created an order

How the situation unfolds

  1. Contact

    Business inboxes, mailed invoices or collection calls.

  2. The lure

    An ordered service is due for payment; settle it promptly.

  3. The demand and outcome

    A familiar invoice format enters routine payment processing, pressuring staff to pay for a nonexistent order; attachments may also phish credentials.

Verify these things before paying

  1. Match order, delivery and invoice
  2. Confirm with the responsible purchaser
  3. Do not sign in through unfamiliar billing attachments

Already engaged or paid?

  1. Pause payment
  2. Ask finance to check related payments
  3. Report the invoice source and protect exposed accounts

Contact your payment provider and local police promptly. The responsible institution must confirm whether a payment can be stopped, disputed or returned.

Keep these records

Original invoice and email headers
Order and delivery checks
Collection messages and calls
Payment or account anomalies

Keep originals and organise working copies. Never give strangers verification codes, banking passwords, private keys or seed phrases.

Original references

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Publisher location：United States · EnglishOpen the original reference ↗https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/run-small-business-pay-your-bills-not-scammers

This page summarises public prevention guidance to help recognise methods. It is not an enforcement conclusion about a particular incident. Check the source page for its original title. Procedures and reporting routes vary by jurisdiction. Compiled October 2026.

Related situations

Business email compromise

A fake executive, colleague or partner uses a spoofed or compromised mailbox to request urgent payments or confidential data.

Read the warning signs and checks

Payment redirection scams

A fake supplier changes bank details near a real payment deadline. The project and invoice are real; the recipient is not.

Read the warning signs and checks

Fake purchase orders

An impersonated company or school sends a large order with forged paperwork, requesting credit terms and fast delivery.

Read the warning signs and checks