A purchase scam is when a criminal tricks you into buying goods or services for your business that don’t exist.
Criminals use fake or cloned websites with slight changes to the URL to trick you into thinking you’re purchasing from the genuine site. They may also ask for payment prior to delivery and send you fake receipts and invoices that appear to be from the payment provider.
Protect your business
Be wary of anyone who calls on behalf of a supplier - contact them direct using a known and trusted phone number or email
Make sure you’re on a genuine seller’s website by checking the website link and avoid clicking on links from social media, message or email
Do your research before making a purchase and read online reviews
Search for the company’s details on GOV.UK to check if they are a registered company
Be cautious of any “too good to be true” offers
A-Z of business scams
Take Five to Stop Fraud
Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.
STOP
Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE
Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.