19/12/2019
Lisburn Firm Narrowly Avoids Email Scam
A vigilant business owner from Lisburn has narrowly escaped losing £45,000 in an email scam.
Police told of how the company had been invoiced for that exact amount from another legitimate firm when the fraudsters stepped in.
Shortly after the legitimate request for payment, a further email was sent to request the funds be paid to another bank account. It appears, however, that the email account had been hacked and the second request was not genuine.
A PSNI spokesperson said the Lisburn business owner prevented the scam attempt through his own precautions.
They added: "There have been a number of similar reports across the province in recent months. If you are paying invoices received online, always be sure to check with the company that the details are correct. Hackers can change invoice details if they gain access to an e-mail account. Always check - particularly for larger amounts."
(JG/MH)
Police told of how the company had been invoiced for that exact amount from another legitimate firm when the fraudsters stepped in.
Shortly after the legitimate request for payment, a further email was sent to request the funds be paid to another bank account. It appears, however, that the email account had been hacked and the second request was not genuine.
A PSNI spokesperson said the Lisburn business owner prevented the scam attempt through his own precautions.
They added: "There have been a number of similar reports across the province in recent months. If you are paying invoices received online, always be sure to check with the company that the details are correct. Hackers can change invoice details if they gain access to an e-mail account. Always check - particularly for larger amounts."
(JG/MH)
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