Don't pay it, and don't use contact details on the invoice to check it. Call the supplier on a number you already had, to confirm whether it's genuine. Report it: in the US to the FBI's IC3 (ic3.gov); in the UK to Report Fraud. How to report invoice fraud. Already paid? Call your bank at once to try to recall the payment. What to do next.

Invoice fraud · checked 30 October 2026

Is writing a fake invoice illegal?

Yes. Creating or sending an invoice for goods or services that were never provided, or changing a real invoice's bank details, to get paid is fraud almost everywhere, and it can also be tax fraud if it's used to fake expenses.

United States

Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) covers schemes using email, phone or the internet; mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) covers the post. Each carries up to 20 years in prison, more if a financial institution is affected.
States also have their own theft and fraud laws.

United Kingdom

Fraud by false representation under section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006, with a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Making or supplying articles for fraud, such as fake invoice templates, is a separate offence under the same Act.

Received one?

Don't pay it, and don't use contact details on the invoice to check it.
Call the supplier on a number you already had, to confirm whether it's genuine.
Report it: in the US to the FBI's IC3 (ic3.gov); in the UK to Report Fraud. How to report invoice fraud.
Already paid? Call your bank at once to try to recall the payment. What to do next.

Stop paying them

Most fake invoices succeed because nobody checks new payees or changed bank details. A call-back rule and a second approver stop most of them. Red flags · controls that work.

Sources: 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 1343; Fraud Act 2006 (UK), sections 1, 2 and 7. Read 30 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.

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