Counter Fraud Team alert: Kent school fraud incident

A fraudster has hacked a staff members email account and intercepted a payable invoice email sent to that staff member.

The fraudster added account payable details onto the invoice and then the email arrived in the inbox of schools business manager.

The school business manager thought this was unusual and noticed the payment details were different than those held on record, however they then processed the £2k payment.

The company expecting the invoice to be paid questioned where their payment was and then the fraud came to light.

The scam was reported to KCC Counter Fraud Team - internal.audit@kent.gov.uk.

Actions

Ensure you don’t share your passwords, do not use an easily guessed password as fraudsters will do open-source checks to find out information such as social media.

Whenever you get an email asking for any bank account payment details to be changed, be that staff, contractors, suppliers always check with the contact details you already have with that person/company.

If you notice that a received invoice is different or the payment details are not the same as those on record, check again with the sender that the information is correct.

A phone call is best as if the subjects email or online accounts have been targeted the fraudster may be monitoring them.

Also use a phone number you already on record have not one that is contained within the email requesting the change, the fraudster will control any phone number they email to you.

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, businesses and the police. They spend hours researching your business for their scams, hoping you will let your guard down for just a moment.

Remember

Stop: If you receive a request to make an urgent payment, change supplier bank details or provide financial information, take a moment to stop and think.

Challenge: Could it be fake? Verify all payments and supplier details directly with the company or individual on a known phone number or in person first.

Protect: Contact your business’ bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Advice can be found on the Take Five website:

• Take Five - general advice
• Take Five - business advice