Recognize the pattern
How it starts
Quote requests, sales inboxes or procurement calls.
The promise
A major customer urgently needs goods on account.
What happens next
Lookalike domains and real employee names support a forged order; goods reach an unrelated address and the real institution denies purchasing.
Signs to watch for
- A large credit order from a new buyer
- Delivery address unrelated to the institution
- Unverifiable procurement contact
Start with what you can do now
If this happened to you
Pause shipment or contact the carrier promptly
Notify the impersonated institution
Keep orders and shipping details; report to police
What to save
Keep the original records. Use copies to organize the details.
- Quote request and purchase order
- Email domain and contacts
- Delivery and tracking details
- Credit approval and delivery records
Before you send money
- Confirm through the customer’s independently found switchboard
- Check purchasing authority and delivery address
- Approve and limit first-time credit orders
These guides explain common patterns. The facts of your situation and your payment provider’s rules determine which steps are available.