Don’t Pay That Bill Yet: How to Spot a Fake Invoice Scam

May 31, 2025

If you’ve ever received a bill or invoice and thought, “I don’t remember owing this…”—you’re not alone. Fake invoice scams are a growing problem, targeting both individuals and businesses with fraudulent bills that look legitimate. The goal? To trick you into paying for something you never bought.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

How Fake Invoice Scams Work

Scammers send a convincing-looking invoice—by email, postal mail, or even fax—that appears to come from a vendor or service provider. It might:

• Reference a vague or generic service (like "web listing renewal")
• Include official-looking logos and business names
• Threaten consequences if you don't pay “payment due immediately” or “final notice”
• Be sent to the accounting or billing department of a company

The scammer hopes someone will pay it without double-checking.

In some cases, the scam relies on creating confusion during busy times—like quarterly close-outs, leadership transitions, or the holidays. In others, it’s aimed at small businesses or departments with looser accounting oversight.

What It Looks Like

A fake invoice might include:

• A company name you vaguely recognize, like "Online Directory Services"
• A due date that’s already passed, pressuring you to pay quickly
• Terms like “renewal,” “maintenance,” or “service fee” that sound legitimate but are intentionally unclear
• An invoice number and breakdown that make it feel real—but no actual details about what was purchased

How to Spot and Avoid the Scam

1. STOP
Scammers count on urgency. Give yourself time to double-check.

2. Cross-check with your records.
Search your email or accounting system. Did you or anyone else approve this service or purchase?

3. Watch for generic or vague services.
Scams often involve things like “website optimization,” “directory listings,” or “data compliance”—services that sound real but are hard to verify.

4. Train your team.
If you're in a business, ensure everyone—especially those in finance or admin—knows how to flag suspicious invoices.

What to Do If You Receive One

• Don’t pay it. If you’re unsure, hold off until you’ve verified everything.
• Report it. You can report fake invoices to the FTC, your state’s attorney general, or your company’s fraud response team.
• Save a copy. It may help in identifying similar scams in the future.

Bottom Line

Fake invoice scams prey on confusion and haste. But with a sharp eye and a few extra minutes of diligence, you can avoid paying a scammer a dime.