UK P&I club issued an article today regarding a recent case to extort funds through fraudulent invoicing. The fraud was revealed when an accounts clerk and the master of the vessel targeted discovered the false invoice. Mentioned vessel was billed for “Harbour and General Port services” however the itemised bill, including MARPOL discharge costs, were covered by the usual ports dues.
The most worrying aspect of this case was the fact that the ship’s stamp must have been crudely copied in order to provide false evidence that the master of the vessel had seen and approved the invoice.
Signum Services, the UK P&I club investigative arm, has recently experienced cases where various Members’ charter parties, bills of lading and invoices have been forged and used by fraudsters attempting to obtain money.
There has been an increase in fraud cases recently and a general reminder to be more vigilant when checking documents, company logos and stamps. Also for accounts departments dealing with invoices especially with large sums to verify authenticity with their clients before payment.
Source: UK P&I
Officer of the Watch 
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