An Aberdeenshire businessman has lost a five-figure sum to scammers in what is known as a ‘payment diversion fraud.’

Criminals hacked the victims accounts and then sent him false invoices for payment, pretending to be his accountant. When the victim queried one of the invoices with a genuine supplier he realised he had been scammed.

Payment Diversion Fraud (PDF) affects all types of businesses and individuals. However, due to the targeted nature of this fraud type, small and medium sized businesses, which often have less comprehensive IT security, are particularly vulnerable. Individuals purchasing houses and are involved in large financial transactions are also at risk. 

Protect yourself against PDF

Have you been asked to urgently process a payment that is large or unusual? 

Have you been asked to change the bank details of an existing supplier or to set up a new supplier?

Is the language used in the email inconsistent with that of the genuine sender? 

If you have any doubt about the transaction then do not transfer the money. Protect yourself by double-checking the payment request via an additional method using details from another source (such as text message, phone call or in-person).

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.

Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and then call Police Scotland on 101.

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland’s North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division’s Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.