Springfield, MO – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning both consumers and local businesses about a rise in fake invoice and subscription‑renewal scams that are siphoning money and personal data.
How the scams work
Scammers typically send an invoice or receipt for a purchase the recipient never made. One common tactic is a bogus receipt for a large purchase, prompting the victim to call a “help” number where a fraudster asks for payment details to “resolve the issue.” Another variation mimics a familiar company and claims a subscription must be renewed to avoid “late fees,” directing the victim to click a link and enter payment information. A third scenario targets businesses with a small‑amount invoice for “office supplies” that appears to come from a regular vendor, leading an accounting department to pay without double‑checking.
Impact on the community
According to the BBB’s Scam Tracker Risk Report, invoice scams were the second‑most risky scam reported by businesses in 2025, with a median loss of $532 per incident. PayPal was the most frequently impersonated organization, and 15.2% of those reports involved fake invoice scams.
BBB’s recommendations for consumers
“The best way consumers and businesses can protect themselves is to keep careful track of their purchase history,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO. “Knowing what you’ve paid for and to whom makes it harder for a scammer to convince you that you owe them money.”
Corey advises residents to understand how legitimate invoices are delivered, including the expected delivery method, payment process, and any consequences for missed payments. Tracking purchases through bank statements or budgeting tools can also help spot fraudulent requests.
When an invoice arrives, take time to verify it before sending money, even if the message threatens legal action. Avoid clicking unverified links or using phone numbers listed in unsolicited emails. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website to find a verified contact number.
BBB’s recommendations for businesses
Business owners should establish a clear procedure for inspecting incoming invoices. This might include assigning a small team to handle purchases, payments, and shipments, and requiring verification that ordered products or services were actually received before any payment is made.
Training staff on invoice‑inspection protocols and encouraging open communication can help employees feel comfortable raising concerns about suspicious invoices. Regular reminders that scammers are adept at imitating official agencies can keep vigilance high.
By adopting these safeguards, Springfield’s consumers and businesses can better protect themselves from costly fraud.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
