How can I tell if an invoice is fake?
A fake invoice can look extremely convincing. A familiar logo, ABN or even an email from a real compromised account does not by itself prove the payment details are genuine.
Compare the payment details
Check the invoice against previous genuine invoices or records you already hold. Unexpected new bank details, a changed payee, unusual urgency or a slightly different email address deserve independent confirmation.
Call using details you already trust
Scamwatch warns that fake invoices can copy business logos and ABNs and may even arrive in an existing email conversation. Confirm payment details directly with the business using contact information found independently—not the number printed on the suspicious invoice or supplied in its email.
If you already paid
If you believe the payment went to the wrong account, contact your bank or financial institution immediately. Australian guidance also recommends reporting relevant scam or cyber incidents.
Verify First can assess the evidence you provide and highlight risk signals and things that still need independent verification. It does not guarantee that a person, business, payment or document is safe or fraudulent.
Check the invoice or payment requestOfficial guidance: Scamwatch — Fake business invoice scams and Cyber.gov.au — Business email compromise.