Invoice redirection scams continue to affect individuals and businesses with established relationships, trusted suppliers and regular payment arrangements. Being informed and prepared remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself.
A simple principle underpins much of our fraud prevention guidance: take a moment to pause before you pay. Creating space to stop and reflect can reduce pressure and protect your interests.
Pausing as best practice
Our clients lead busy professional and personal lives. At various times throughout the year – including around the beginning of a new financial year – it’s natural to be focused on organising finances, onboarding new suppliers and settling invoices.
Fraudsters understand this. They deliberately target moments when payments feel routine and decisions are being made quickly.
Understanding invoice redirection fraud
What is invoice redirection fraud?
An invoice redirection scam occurs when a criminal impersonates a trusted supplier, professional adviser or colleague and asks for a legitimate payment to be sent to new bank account details.
- The invoice itself purports to be genuine. But the payment destination has been changed to the criminal’s account.
In many cases, criminals intercept authentic email correspondence or create near‑identical email addresses. They mirror language, tone and formatting to make the request appear credible, often providing plausible explanations for the change.
Once funds are sent, recovery can be difficult.
How these scams typically work
You may be asked to make a payment to:
- A contractor or service provider you regularly work with
- A professional firm involved in a property or legal transaction
- A business contact within your organisation
- A large, one‑off invoice that feels expected
Requests to update bank details may arrive unexpectedly or be framed as urgent, administrative or confidential.
Businesses and organisations
Invoice redirection scams do not only affect individuals. They may also target:
- Business owners and employees
- Finance teams receiving instructions appearing to come from senior executives
- Organisations with regular suppliers or frequent high‑value payments
In some cases, criminals may also attempt to intercept payments intended for you or your business.
Real examples
Property payment intercepted
In one instance, payment instructions for solicitors acting on a property purchase were altered by a criminal impersonating the legal firm. The client contacted their bank promptly and the funds were recovered.
Regular invoice queried
In another case, amended bank details were provided for a familiar invoice. Following guidance to verify the change directly with the supplier, the new details were confirmed as fraudulent, preventing a substantial loss.
In both examples, pausing and checking helped prevent significant harm.
How to protect yourself
Pause before releasing any payment — particularly where bank details have changed. Taking a moment allows you to consider:
- Was this change expected?
- Am I being encouraged to act quickly?
- Have I verified this independently?
Practical safeguards include:
- Verifying changes using a different communication channel i.e. calling a known contact using previously stored details
- Watch out for application of urgency, changes in tone or unexpected explanations
- Check the request directly with the person or organisation you’re trying to pay
- For larger payments, start with a small test payment first. Confirm receipt directly with the original invoice source before sending the full amount
Allowing yourself time to reflect introduces perspective and reduces the impact of pressure.
How we support you
We are here to help you feel confident and supported when making payments.
Coutts 24
Our team is available at any time if you would like to discuss a payment request, query a change in bank details or raise a concern.
Your challenge word
Using a challenge word helps ensure you are speaking with a genuine Coutts colleague. Your private banker can help you set one up if you do not already have one in place.
An open, supportive approach
Fraud can affect anyone. There is no judgement in being targeted. Reporting concerns promptly can help protect you and others.
Further guidance
Visit our dedicated fraud hub for clear, up‑to‑date advice designed to help you stay informed and protect your money.
What our experts are doing
Our fraud specialists:
- Operate robust, layered security and monitoring processes
- Continually review and enhance how we protect our clients
- Work closely with industry partners and law enforcement
- Share intelligence to support wider efforts to prevent fraud
