My spam filter is doing better at identifying fake invoices, but these fakes are still showing up in mailboxes, inboxes, and text messages more than ever, and they are not only aimed at businesses. Every day people are receiving convincing bills for services they never used, products they never ordered, or subscriptions they never signed up for.
These scams work because they look like ordinary paperwork that someone might accidentally overlook and pay.
Scammers understand that most people are busy. They hope you will see a familiar logo or a professional looking document and quickly assume it is something you forgot about.
Some fake invoices pretend to be from shipping companies, software providers, utilities, or medical offices. Others use vague descriptions such as “service fee” or “account review.”
The goal is simple. They want you to pay before you notice something is not right.
One of the most common tricks is to send an invoice for a small amount. The scammer knows that many people will not question a charge under fifty dollars, especially if it seems routine.
In other cases, the invoice will claim you already owe money and your service will be interrupted if you do not act immediately. Fear and urgency are powerful tools for criminals.
The best protection starts with slowing down. Look closely at the sender name, the account number, and the itemized description. If anything looks off, contact the company using a phone number from its official website.
Never use the number listed on the invoice. Check your bank statements, credit card activity, and email receipts for any sign of that purchase. In most cases, you will find nothing to match it.
Whether you run a business or simply manage your household, treat every unexpected invoice with caution. A few extra seconds of verification can prevent money loss and protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.