BUSINESSES across the town are being alerted to an invoice scam which aims to con companies out of thousands of pounds.
Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce put out the warning when one of its members was targeted recently.
The business received a fake invoice from a 'recruitment agency' based in Essex charging money for staff placement. The invoice was for more than £4,00
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Scammers send an invoice or bill requesting payment for goods or services. These invoices may state that companies are past the due date for payment and threaten that non-payment will affect credit ratings.
Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce passed the warning to Trading Standards.
A Trading Standards spokesperson said, "Summer is traditionally a time when fake invoices for all sorts of goods and services appear.
"Businesses are advised to ensure their staff are aware of the possibility of receiving fake invoices to prevent any mis-payments.
"Scammers prey on the fact that bosses are likely to be on vacation and junior staff may pay in error."
Advice from the Office of Fair Trading has issued online advice which states, "You might be sent an invoice for a domain name that is very similar to your current domain name or for a small amount of stationery.
"The scammer hopes that you don't notice the difference and just pay the invoice.
"Make sure the employee paying your invoices checks that a purchase order has been raised before they pay any invoice."
