Invoice Payment Fraud Prevention

Summary

In Florida, if a scammer intercepts communications and alters payment instructions, the business owner may be considered the primary scammed party. Immediate actions include reporting the fraud to banks, law enforcement, and the FBI. While there may not be a legal duty for customers to verify changes in payment instructions, good business practices suggest doing so. Consulting a lawyer can help clarify responsibilities and explore recovery options.

Full Conversation

I don’t
It sounds like a very challenging situation. In Florida, responsibility may depend on various factors, including any written agreements or past practices. Here are a few points to consider:
- Check your contract for any payment verification procedures.
- Review communications for any established protocols.
- Notify both your bank and the customer’s bank immediately.
- Consider reporting the incident to local law enforcement and the FBI.
Have you already reported the scam to your bank and law enforcement?
Not yet. This came to everyone’s attention today at *:*.
It sounds like you should take immediate action. Here are some steps you can consider:
*. Report the Scam:
- Contact your bank immediately to report the fraud.
- Notify the customer’s bank about the fraudulent payment.
- Report the incident to local law enforcement.
- File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
*. Legal Advice:
- Consider consulting a lawyer for specific guidance on liability and recovery options.
Would you like to be connected with a local lawyer who can assist you further with your case?
Who is the primary party that was scammed?
Case Rating: *
Based on the information provided, it sounds like you, as the owner of the LLC, are the primary party that was scammed. The scammer intercepted your communications and manipulated the situation, leading to the customer sending the payment to the wrong account.
Would you like to be connected with local lawyers who can assist you further with your case?
Did they have a duty to take an extra step to ensure the validity of a request in change of bank instructions?
Case Rating: *
This situation is complex and involves several legal considerations. In Florida, there may not be a specific legal duty for the customer to verify changes in payment instructions, but good business practices often suggest such verification to prevent fraud. Consulting a lawyer will help clarify any potential responsibilities and legal options.
Would you like to be connected with local lawyers who can better assist you with your case?
sure
Case Rating: *
Great, it seems like this might be a high-value case. Would you like to be connected to local lawyers who can better assist you with your case? If so, I need to collect some information.
Can you give me a bit more information about the issue?
what do you need?
Case Rating: *
To proceed with connecting you to local lawyers, I need to collect some information:
*. What is your phone number?
*. What is your name?
*. What is your zipcode?
*. (Optional) What is your email address?
Could you please provide these details?