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A Simple Vendor Payment Request Cost a Business $48,000
When it comes to fraud, not every scam starts with suspicious activity or obvious warning signs. Some begin with an email that appears completely legitimate.
One Wednesday, a business received what looked like a routine message from a trusted vendor. The email explained that the vendor had changed banks and requested that future payments be sent to a new account.
At first glance, everything seemed normal:
Weeks later, the real vendor followed up about the unpaid invoice.
The payment had been sent exactly as instructed, but the instructions had come from a fraudster, not the vendor. By the time the fraud was discovered, the funds had already been transferred.
Why Business Email Compromise Works
This type of scam is known as Business Email Compromise (BEC), and it continues to be one of the most effective ways criminals target businesses.
Rather than attempting to break into financial systems, fraudsters exploit trust and established business processes. They know employees are managing invoices, responding to emails, and handling payment requests throughout the day.
Their objective is simple: convince someone to direct funds to an account they control.
Common tactics include:
Warning Signs to Watch For
While these scams can be sophisticated, there are often warning signs.
Be cautious anytime you receive:
One Phone Call Can Make a Big Difference
One of the most effective ways to prevent payment fraud is independent verification.
Before updating vendor payment information, contact the vendor using a phone number already on file, not one included in the email request.
Taking a minute to verify can help protect your business from significant financial loss.
Consider confirming:
Fraud Prevention Takeaway
Fraudsters often rely on businesses moving quickly and trusting routine requests.
Creating internal procedures that require verification for payment-related changes can help reduce risk and protect your organization.
When it comes to moving money, slowing down for a moment and verifying the details can make all the difference.
At Kitsap Credit Union, we’re committed to helping businesses recognize fraud risks and build strong financial security practices. If you have questions about protecting your accounts or payment processes, our team is here to help.
Learn more information about Fraud and Security Resources.
One Wednesday, a business received what looked like a routine message from a trusted vendor. The email explained that the vendor had changed banks and requested that future payments be sent to a new account.
At first glance, everything seemed normal:
- The vendor was familiar.
- The invoice amount matched an expected payment.
- The email included company branding and a professional signature.
- The request appeared routine.
Weeks later, the real vendor followed up about the unpaid invoice.
The payment had been sent exactly as instructed, but the instructions had come from a fraudster, not the vendor. By the time the fraud was discovered, the funds had already been transferred.
Why Business Email Compromise Works
This type of scam is known as Business Email Compromise (BEC), and it continues to be one of the most effective ways criminals target businesses.
Rather than attempting to break into financial systems, fraudsters exploit trust and established business processes. They know employees are managing invoices, responding to emails, and handling payment requests throughout the day.
Their objective is simple: convince someone to direct funds to an account they control.
Common tactics include:
- Impersonating a trusted vendor or business partner
- Requesting updates to ACH or wire transfer instructions
- Creating a sense of urgency around payments
- Using email addresses that closely resemble legitimate ones
- Monitoring business communications and inserting themselves into existing conversations
Warning Signs to Watch For
While these scams can be sophisticated, there are often warning signs.
Be cautious anytime you receive:
- Requests to change banking information
- New ACH or wire payment instructions
- Updates to vendor contact information
- Unexpected changes to mailing addresses
- Requests that rely solely on email for approval
One Phone Call Can Make a Big Difference
One of the most effective ways to prevent payment fraud is independent verification.
Before updating vendor payment information, contact the vendor using a phone number already on file, not one included in the email request.
Taking a minute to verify can help protect your business from significant financial loss.
Consider confirming:
- ACH payment instructions
- Wire transfer details
- Banking information changes
- Mailing address updates
- Changes to authorized contacts
Fraud Prevention Takeaway
Fraudsters often rely on businesses moving quickly and trusting routine requests.
Creating internal procedures that require verification for payment-related changes can help reduce risk and protect your organization.
When it comes to moving money, slowing down for a moment and verifying the details can make all the difference.
At Kitsap Credit Union, we’re committed to helping businesses recognize fraud risks and build strong financial security practices. If you have questions about protecting your accounts or payment processes, our team is here to help.
Learn more information about Fraud and Security Resources.
August 19, 2026