Invoice and Mandate Scams
Invoice and mandate scams happen when criminals trick a person or business into paying a fake invoice or changing payment details to an account controlled by the scammer.
Key warning
Always verify bank detail changes using a trusted contact route before paying.
Scammers may impersonate suppliers, landlords, solicitors, contractors, finance teams, or senior staff to redirect payments.
Payment detail alert
“Our bank details have changed.”
Criminals rely on routine payment processes, trusted supplier names, and urgent wording to redirect money.
Common trick
“Please update our payment details for all future invoices.”
Common pressure
“Payment is overdue and must be made today.”
Invoice and Mandate Scams
Invoice and mandate scam
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What is an invoice or mandate scam?
An invoice scam usually involves a fake or altered invoice. A mandate scam usually involves a request to change payment instructions, such as supplier bank account details.
These scams target businesses, charities, landlords, tenants, buyers, finance teams, property transactions, and anyone who regularly sends payments.
Why it works
These scams work because invoice processing can feel routine. A small change in bank details or an urgent payment request may be missed if staff are busy or under pressure.
Common routes
- • Compromised supplier email accounts.
- • Fake invoices with changed bank details.
- • Requests to update payment mandates.
- • Pressure from fake senior staff or vendors.
- • Follow-up emails chasing urgent payment.
Stop before you pay
Any change to payment details should be treated as a high-risk event until verified independently.
Risk level
Critical
Changed bank details
A supplier suddenly asks for payment to a new account.
Urgent payment request
You are pressured to pay today or avoid penalties.
Email looks slightly wrong
The sender, domain, tone, or signature is unusual.
Invoice mismatch
Invoice numbers, amounts, dates, or bank details do not match records.
Avoids phone verification
The sender discourages calling or gives a new number to use.
Bypasses process
You are asked to ignore normal approval or verification steps.
Verify before changing or paying.
Call the supplier using a known number, not one in the request.
Use dual approval for payment detail changes.
Compare the invoice with previous invoices and purchase orders.
If paid, contact your bank immediately and report the incident.