High riskSmall Business & Workplace Scams

Fake Purchase Order Scam

In this scam, fraudsters impersonate a university, large company, or government body, sending a convincing purchase order to obtain goods on credit, then redirect or collect the goods and never pay.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Order fraud (business)
Main red flag
A large order on credit from a 'trusted' body with unusual delivery details.
What to do first
Verify the order using contact details you find independently, not on the order.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, fraudsters impersonate a university, large company, or government body, sending a convincing purchase order to obtain goods on credit, then redirect or collect the goods and never pay.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Please supply the items on this purchase order from our university, on standard 30-day terms. Ship to the address below.'

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

  • A large order on credit from a new 'official' customer
  • Contact details only as given on the order itself
  • Delivery to an address that differs from the organisation
  • Pressure to ship quickly on credit terms
  • Email domains that mimic the real organisation

What to do

  • Verify the order using independently found contact details
  • Confirm the delivery address matches the organisation
  • Be cautious with credit terms for new customers
  • Report suspected fake orders to the real body

If you already clicked or replied

  • Halt shipment if goods have not yet been sent
  • Contact the real organisation to confirm the order
  • Report the fraud and keep all documents
  • Review your credit-check process for new accounts

What not to do

  • Do not ship on credit without verifying the buyer
  • Do not use contact details printed on the order
  • Do not send goods to a mismatched address

Similar scams

High risk Business

Payroll Diversion Scam

In this scam, fraudsters pose as an employee emailing HR or payroll to change their bank details, diverting the next salary payment to an account they control before the real worker notices.
High risk Bank & Payment

Invoice Redirection Scam

In this scam, fraudsters posing as a supplier or contractor email that their bank details have changed, so your next invoice payment is diverted to the scammer's account instead of the genuine business.
High risk Marketplace

Fake Supplier Scam

A fake wholesale or B2B supplier advertises bulk goods at prices that beat the market, then asks for payment by bank transfer. Some vanish after the first order, while others build trust with small, genuine deliveries before disappearing on a large one. Because bank transfers offer little recourse, recovering the money is often very difficult.

Frequently asked questions

How do I verify a purchase order?
Contact the organisation using details you find independently, confirm the order and delivery address, and be cautious with credit terms for new customers.
The order looked official. How is it fake?
Fraudsters copy logos and create lookalike email domains. Verify through independently found contacts, not the details on the order itself.
I shipped goods to a fake order. What now?
Try to halt the shipment, contact the real organisation, report the fraud, keep documents, and review your credit-check process.
Why impersonate universities or big firms?
Their reputation makes suppliers comfortable offering credit, so fraudsters can obtain goods and disappear before payment is due.

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.