The scheme works by hoping that a business will simply pay the invoice, rather than question it. The BBB recommends that any company check the background of an unfamiliar vendor or solicitor through the BBB before taking action. A system of checks and balances such as a purchase order system is also recommended to avoid this type of scheme. Any business that may have mailed a check in response to this invoice offer should contact the Better Business Bureau immediately. Phony or questionable invoice offers are one of the most common types of business-targeted fraud, according to the Better Business Bureau.
Similar schemes cost Idaho businesses millions of dollars each year.