Alert : Salary Theft Scams Targeting Companies

In recent weeks, a new scam has been targeting businesses: fraudsters impersonate employees to steal their salary by requesting a fake change of bank account details.
Don’t fall for it—learn how to spot the signs and protect your finances.

Fake Bank Account Change

Scammers contact payroll or HR pretending to be an employee, claiming to have changed banks and providing fraudulent new account details, aiming to divert the next salary payment.

How It Works

Fraudsters send professional, personalized emails, often using information gathered from business social networks (like LinkedIn) or data breaches.
Their goal: get the new account validated without proper checks and receive the employee’s salary.
Warning signs:
– Email address slightly different or spoofed
– Urgent tone or messages sent outside usual hours
– No request for supporting documents or further verification

Tips:

• 🔒 Never change bank details without a direct call or confirmation with the employee concerned.
• 📧 Be wary of unusual requests by email, even if they look professional.
• 🛡️ Establish strict internal procedures for updating banking information.
• 👥 Train your HR or payroll team to recognize this type of scam.
• 🔐 Enable two-factor authentication on all professional email accounts.

Conclusion

If you receive such a request, never act without thorough verification.
Report the attempt immediately at reportfraud.ftc.gov or reportfraud.police.uk and alert your colleagues.
For more guidance, read our Scams & Frauds: How to Stay Safe! guide to learn what to do if you have already shared information.

Written by : René Ronse
Sources & Methodology : This alert is based on regular monitoring of national reporting platforms, feedback from victims, statements issued by the relevant authorities and other information available at the time of writing or the latest update. Its purpose is to identify the method used, the warning signs and the appropriate steps to take when faced with this type of fraud.
About the author : René Ronse, manager of ArnaqueOuFiable.com. Expert in consumer cybersecurity, specialist in detecting online fraud, product transparency, and digital compliance. He has over 20 years of experience analyzing hidden subscription mechanisms, unreadable terms and conditions, aggressive sales tactics, and deceptive commercial practices on the web.
Last updated : 10 March 2026.
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