Scammers are sending invoices to New Brunswick businesses, claiming they are past due on payment for a service they never requested or agreed to, such as a listing on an online directory.
The invoices request the business to pay via credit card, direct deposit or with a cheque. If a business responds to the invoice with payment, the scammer keeps the money. If they gain access to the business’ bank account through direct deposit, scammers can drain all the money from that account.
How to recognize a Fake Invoice scam
- The invoice comes out of the blue, claiming you are past due on payment for a service you never requested or agreed to.
- The contact name and billing address is out of date.
- The invoice directs you to a URL that looks similar, but is not identical to the addresses for the Yellow Pages or Canada 411.
- The logo on the invoice appears grainy, as if it’s been cut and pasted onto the letter.
What to do if you receive a Fake Invoice scam
- Ignore it.
- Do not provide personal information, credit card numbers or other financial information to the scammer.
- Report the invoice to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
What to do if you are a victim of a Fake Invoice scam
If you have responded to the fraudulent request or provided any banking or payment information:
- Change your password and PIN for all online banking or financial services accounts
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately
Where to report a Fake Invoice scamReport Fake Invoice scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Learn more about how to report fraud and where to report fraud.
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