...and beware invoice fraudsters

BUSINESSES are being warned to guard against a new computer scam.

Fraudsters are sending emails that purport to be f rom regular suppliers or other trusted companies, Financial Fraud Action UK is warning.

The email says it has an invoice attached but it is, in fact, a computer virus, which can infect your computer and steal your bank details when you click on it.

The attachment is usually a normal-looking Word document or Excel spreadsheet but, when the user opens the file, a pop- up box appears, asking them to ‘enable a macro’, or set of programmed instructions for a computer. Clicking ‘yes’ on this then installs the malicious software, which then infects the computer.

The virus proceeds to log the company’s online banking details and other important information and report this back to the criminals who sent the email. The crooks then use these details to steal from the business’s bank account.

Businesses are being warned to be on the lookout for unusual files or unexpected payment requests and are advised to not enable any macros on such a document. If you are suspicious, do not reply to the email but call the supposed sender to check the authenticity of the email.

Making sure that you have the latest security updates and anti-virus software on your computer can also help.

A spokesman for Financial Fraud Action UK, says: ‘Fraudsters will do all they can to trick you into thinking their email is genuine, so always double check.

‘If you are unsure, then call the sender on the number you have on file, not the one provided in the email, and if you think your computer might be infected, contact your bank immediately.’