Medium riskEmail Scams

Fake Invoice Email Scam

This scam emails an invoice or receipt for something you did not buy, hoping you call a fake 'support' number or click a link to dispute it.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Billing phishing scam
Main red flag
An invoice or receipt for a purchase you never made, with a number to call to cancel.
What to do first
Do not call the number or click links. Check the real account directly.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam emails an invoice or receipt for something you did not buy, hoping you call a fake 'support' number or click a link to dispute it.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Your order #INV-90237 for $499.99 has been confirmed. If you did not authorise this, call our billing department immediately at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • An invoice for a product or subscription you never ordered
  • A phone number urging you to call to dispute or cancel
  • An attachment claiming to be the full invoice
  • Sender details that do not match the named company
  • Pressure to act quickly to avoid being charged

What to do

  • Do not call the number in the email
  • Check the real account or card statement directly
  • Report the email as phishing and delete it
  • Block the sender

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not give remote access if you called and were asked to install software
  • Hang up if a 'support agent' asks for payment or remote control
  • Contact your bank if you shared card details
  • Run a security scan if you downloaded an attachment

What not to do

  • Do not call the phone number provided
  • Do not install remote-access software for 'support'
  • Do not open unexpected attachments

Similar scams

Medium risk Email

Fake Subscription Renewal Email

This scam emails that a subscription is renewing for a large amount, hoping you call a fake support number or click a link to cancel and hand over details.
High risk Email

Fake Refund Email Scam

This scam emails that you are owed a refund and asks you to confirm bank or card details, or to accept a refund that is really designed to steal your money.
Medium risk Email

Fake Amazon Order Email

This scam emails a fake order confirmation for an expensive item, hoping you click a link or call a number to dispute a charge you never made.

Frequently asked questions

Why send an invoice for something I did not buy?
The goal is to make you panic and call the number, where a fake agent tries to get remote access, payment, or personal details.
Is it safe to open the attachment to check?
No. Attachments in these emails can carry malware. Verify charges through your real account instead of opening files.
The agent asked to install software to 'refund' me. Is that normal?
No. Requests to install remote-access tools are a scam tactic to control your device and accounts. Refuse and hang up.
How do I confirm a charge is real?
Log in to the real retailer or check your bank statement directly. If there is no matching charge, the invoice is fake.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.