Don’t call the number: How to respond to a suspicious invoice email

Fake invoice scam targets consumers with fraudulent emails Advertisement Updated: 2:12 PM EST Nov 7, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Brian Roche Anchor Fake invoice scam targets consumers with fraudulent emails Updated: 2:12 PM EST Nov 7, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Brian Roche Anchor Scammers are using fake invoice emails to deceive individuals into calling phone numbers provided in the messages, potentially exposing them to financial scams and data theft. Fake invoices claim charges for purchases and renewals Consumer investigator Brian Roche said he has seen dozens of new variations of the fake invoice scam in the past week. Examples include an email claiming to be from PayPal, stating, "Your account has been charged $436 for a cryptocurrency purchase," and another alleging a charge of nearly $1,500 for a laptop purchase. Advertisement Other examples include a message about a $427 renewal for an internet security plan through the Geek Squad and a notification of a bank transfer of nearly $1,400 for another cryptocurrency purchase. Don’t call the number in the email "None of the emails I just showed you address the customer by name, but every single one of them provides you with a phone number to call if you did not make the purchase," Roche said. "If you call those numbers, you are going to get scammed." Roche advised individuals to check their credit card or bank accounts independently for unauthorized charges and to stop them if necessary. He emphasized not to call any phone number provided in the emails. "If you do call back, there are several different scams the crooks can hit you with, including getting into your computer and accessing your information," Roche said. He urged people not to panic if they receive one of these emails, instead recommending they verify their accounts on their own to protect their money. Make WGAL a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks High school band member stunned as 'Thunderstruck' performance goes viral Defense attorney for man convicted in Tupac murder trial found dead in Las Vegas Watch: Giant pandas make much-anticipated debut at Zoo Atlanta 19-year-old to become one of Massachusetts' youngest representatives in state history