Better Business Bureau warns Louisiana businesses of fake invoice scams

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning to businesses in Lafayette and New Iberia, Louisiana, regarding a surge in fraudulent invoice scams. Scammers are targeting both small businesses and large employers with deceptive bills that appear legitimate.

Recent reports indicate that the fake invoices often claim to be for services such as website monitoring and search-engine optimization. Some fraudulent documents have been sent via fax, while others use the names of local professionals but include outdated business addresses. One reported instance involved a detailed bill totaling $479.85 for services never contracted.

The BBB advises businesses to verify all invoices against existing contracts, valid purchase orders, and established vendor relationships before issuing payment. Victims are encouraged to report scams through the BBB Scam Tracker and notify their banks and local authorities.