Two separate questions
Fictional example: Thomas receives a large software renewal invoice. He recognises the brand but remembers no subscription. The email urges him to call if he wants to dispute the charge. Instead, Thomas opens his actual customer account and finds no matching product.
He checks two things separately: does a genuine contract exist, and has a payment actually happened? A prominently printed invoice amount answers neither question. A fake invoice may be designed specifically to move you to a supposed help line.
Match the invoice to a real transaction
Look for an existing order confirmation, contract or earlier bill. Compare the full provider name, service period and order reference. For shared household purchases, ask the person who might have ordered through your usual contact route.
You do not need to open an unfamiliar attachment first. Check the independently opened customer account or ask established customer support. If a genuine invoice is available only as a document, confirm its connection with the known transaction before retrieving it through the official account.
Separate payment from the invoice
Open your banking or payment app yourself and look for a matching transaction. Check the currency and recipient description as well. No visible payment does not prove that there is no contract; a visible payment does not automatically explain whether it was authorised.
If the claim relates to a real contract but the amount is unclear, request an understandable breakdown from the provider. Do not accept changed bank details solely because an unexpected email supplies them. Confirm that change independently too.
Avoid misleading detours
Do not immediately call a printed “refund number” out of concern. The FTC describes invoice schemes that lead through such calls to remote access or further payments. A refund does not justify allowing an unverified caller to control your device.
Avoid uploading the invoice to a public checking service or AI application without considering its contents. It may contain personal information. An initial enquiry often needs only the provider name, transaction reference and amount; credentials and full payment information should not be included.
Reach a clear outcome
Classify the case as confirmed, still unresolved or demonstrably unrelated to you. For an unresolved genuine claim, record whom you contacted, when and through which independent route. Keep replies and the original message together.
This check does not decide legal liability. If a genuine formal demand or court document is unclear, obtain timely qualified advice instead of dismissing it automatically. If you already sent money or disclosed credentials, contact the payment provider or affected service promptly through its genuine channel.
Your checklist
The checkboxes are for your own reference. No entries are sent to us. To keep a copy, print the page or save it as a PDF using your browser menu.
Common questions
Should I simply delete an unknown invoice?
First check whether it relates to a genuine transaction. You can report a fraudulent message; preserve evidence if a loss occurred.
The brand name is correct. Is that enough?
No. Recognising a brand confirms neither the message nor a contract with you.
Does a missing payment mean everything is fine?
It only means you found no matching transaction there. Contract, invoice and payment still need separate consideration.
Sources and further information
Primary sources from public authorities, consumer organisations and providers. A source may be in another language; follow the guidance that applies to your service and where you live.
- FTC: Falsche Verlängerungsrechnungen und RückrufnummernSource review date:
- FTC: Gefälschte Rechnungen als PhishingSource review date:
- BACS: Unverlangte Nachrichten und Anhänge prüfenSource review date:
