Before you treat it as paid.
THE RULE
Confirm funds in your own account.
Never on a screenshot.
WHY
Screenshot alteration is straightforward and screenshot fraud is common here.
WHAT TO CHECK
The amount matches The reference matches an invoice The funds have actually arrived, not merely been initiated
THAT LAST POINT
A transfer initiated is not a transfer received.
Some transfers fail after the sender sees a confirmation.
FOR GATEWAY PAYMENTS
Check the gateway dashboard, not only a notification email.
WHAT TO DO ON CONFIRMATION
Mark the invoice paid Record the date and method Send a receipt or acknowledgement
THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Confirms to the customer that you received it.
Prevents them chasing you and prevents duplicate payments.
FOR PARTIAL PAYMENTS
Record the amount received against the invoice, and the balance outstanding.
WHAT TO RECONCILE
Your bank statement against your invoice records, monthly.
