Recognize change payment request scams quicker with our "Six signs of a scam" poster

Since 2016, Washington’s governments have reported more than $37 million of lost public funds as a result of cyberfraud, sometimes referred to as phishing, spearfishing or business email compromise schemes. In these schemes, an external threat actor contacts the government, appearing to be a known source such as an employee, upper-level manager, vendor or other business associate. Government staff are convinced to redirect valid payments to the external threat actor, or to purchase gift cards and provide them with the card numbers.  

It is imperative that governments implement robust internal controls over all disbursements. This includes establishing a verification process for all requests to change an employee’s or vendor’s contact and payment information, as well as any requests to purchase gift cards, especially when they come through email, phone, fax or another electronic method. 

But fighting these schemes can start earlier than the verification process – by recognizing them as scams right when they come in.  

To help governments recognize these scams early, we have designed a new poster: “Change Payment Requests: Six Signs of a Scam (PDF).” 

This poster describes six common characteristics often found in the scam requests. From creating a sense of urgency to asking you to “kindly” make a change, knowing these signs can help you spot a scam early.  

Download a copy and get started on recognizing these scams today. 

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