Lost money to a
Invoice Scam?

How to spot an Invoice & Mandate Scam

1. 1

   A supplier suddenly emails 'updated bank details'

   The most common invoice scam. A fraudster intercepts email between you and a supplier — often a solicitor, builder or accountant — and quietly changes the account details on the next invoice.

2. 2

   The email looks slightly off

   The domain may be one letter different, the signature slightly changed, or the language subtly different. Always call the supplier on a number you already have to verify any change of details.

3. 3

   Large one-off payments for property, legal fees or building work

   Conveyancing, deposits and construction stage payments are prime targets because the amounts are large and the timing is predictable.

4. 4

   You're asked to keep the change confidential or act quickly

   Urgency and secrecy are classic fraud markers, even in a business context. Take five minutes to call and verify — it costs nothing.

5. 5

   The receiving account is in a different name

   If the account name doesn't exactly match the supplier's registered name, Confirmation of Payee should warn you. Do not override that warning without a phone call to the supplier.

6. 6

   Your bank ignored a Confirmation of Payee mismatch

   If the bank failed to display or acted on a name-mismatch properly, or missed obvious signs of a fraudulent payment, we can challenge them for a refund on your behalf.