Corporate Invoice Fraud

A fraudulent scheme where someone sent fake invoices to large tech companies like Microsoft and Apple, successfully getting payments processed through their accounts payable departments. The scheme generated over $1M in fraudulent payments before being discovered.

Key Points:

• Implementation Method:

  • Send invoices directly to company AP departments (e.g., ap@microsoft.com)
  • Include vague but official-looking service descriptions
  • Rely on large companies' complex accounting systems and lack of vendor verification

• Success Factors:

  • Large companies have significant money flow
  • Complex corporate structures make verification difficult
  • Basic invoices were processed and paid without thorough verification

• Results:

  • Generated over $1.1M in payments from a single company
  • Wasn't discovered until internal audit questioned the unknown vendor
  • Companies eventually investigated and pursued recovery

Note: This is presented as an example of corporate fraud and should not be implemented as it is illegal.