Fraudulent Invoices

Overview

Below is a real example of a fraudulent invoice that we once received and was quickly identified as suspicious - and not paid. Here, we highlight specific red flags to watch for when receiving invoices from new or unknown sources.

Warning Signs ⚠️

• Unprofessional appearance - looks like a generic online template rather than a polished business document.
• No identifiable company - lacks a real business name or traceable entity.
• "VAT included" but no VAT details - contradictory; VAT-registered suppliers must display their registration number.
• "Not a VAT receipt" disclaimer - contradictory and suspicious.
• Unverifiable address - the address doesn’t correspond to any known business premises when searched online.

Key Takeaway

Always insist on receiving a legitimate, properly formatted invoice from any supplier or contractor. If an invoice raises doubts, hit the pause button and confirm its authenticity before paying.