Common scams that fraudsters use to target businesses.
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Tackling fraud
Protect your business from fraud
Invoice redirection
Scammers pose as an organisation you’re due to pay and tell you there’s been a change of bank account details. Instead of paying your bill, the money goes directly into the criminal’s account.
CEO and compromised email scams
Fraudulent emails appear to come from senior people within your business, such as the CEO or finance director. They request that an urgent payment is made.
Payment instructions may look genuine but if the money is paid as requested, it may go into the fraudster's account.
Fraudsters can also pretend to be clients, employees and supply chain partners. You may receive an email that appears to be from a genuine employee, asking you to change their bank details and make all future salary payments into the new, fraudulent account.
Cheque overpayment fraud
This type of fraud mainly targets businesses but individuals can also be victims, particularly if they buy and sell items online.
A fraudster pays for goods or services using a fraudulent cheque which is made out to a higher amount than the actual value. The business reimburses the fraudster with the excess that was apparently paid in error.
The business does not get paid for the goods or services, and loses even more money due to the ‘excess payment’ it paid the fraudster.
...think you've been the victim of fraudulent activity
...are concerned someone is trying to scam you
...believe any sensitive details may have been shared
...have engaged with a suspicious link or responded to a suspicious message
...have any concerns or uncertainties relating to fraud
Suspicious emails and texts
If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to phishing@coutts.com. If you receive a suspicious text, forward it to 88355.