Financial compromise.
WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE
A request to change payment details An invoice that appears genuine A message from a colleague requesting an urgent transfer A compromised email thread intercepted at the right moment
WHY THEY SUCCEED
They are well written, plausible, and arrive when a payment is expected.
WHAT NO LONGER IDENTIFIES THEM
Spelling and grammar.
WHAT DEFEATS THEM
Verification through a separate channel, on a number you already held.
No exceptions for urgency or seniority.
WHAT ELSE TO PUT IN PLACE
A second approver above a threshold Invoices checked against orders New supplier details verified by phone
WHAT MAKES A BUSINESS VULNERABLE
A single person who can move money without a check Staff who fear questioning an urgent request from above
THAT SECOND ONE
Say explicitly that verification is always welcome.
WHERE TO READ MORE
Our fraud prevention articles cover this in detail.
