Supplier's bank details "changed" by email
An email that looks like your supplier's says their bank account has changed, so your next payment goes to the scammer.
Community reports: 0
How it works
- A scammer gets into or copies your supplier's email and quietly watches your messages about orders and invoices.
- Just before a payment is due, a message in the supplier's style says their bank account has changed and sends an invoice with the new details.
- You pay the invoice into the scammer's account, and the real supplier later asks why they were not paid.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Dear Sir, due to an audit our old account is under freeze. Kindly remit the pending invoice of Rs 4,62,000 to our new account at another bank. Updated invoice attached.
Hi, this is accounts from Shree Ganesh Traders. Please use the attached new bank details from now on. Our phone lines are down, reply by email only.
Red flags
- Bank change just before a payment
- Email address slightly different
- "Do not call, reply by email only"
- New account in a different name or city
The one question to ask
Have you called your supplier on the number you already had to confirm the new account?
Already paid or shared details?
Call your bank at once to try to hold or recall the transfer, call 1930, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with the emails and invoice. Tell your supplier so they can secure their email.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- Fake email from your boss asking for an urgent transfer
- Landlord or contractor "new account" message
- Your customers sent a fake invoice in your name