Quick answer: Email fraud is one of the most common threats in international trade. Criminals hack or imitate email accounts to send fake invoices or payment instructions. Protecting payments starts with securing email accounts, using sender authentication such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC, training staff to spot phishing and having clear rules for any payment change.
Key takeaways – Secure email accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. – SPF, DKIM and DMARC help stop spoofed emails. – Train staff to spot phishing and look-alike addresses. – Have a clear plan for suspected fraud.
How do email fraud schemes work?
| Scheme | How it works |
|---|---|
| Account takeover | A real mailbox is hacked and used |
| Spoofing | A fake sender address looks real |
| Look-alike domains | One letter changed in a domain name |
| Fake invoices | Real-looking documents with new payment details |
How can companies secure email accounts?
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Turn on two-factor authentication.
- Keep software updated.
- Review mailbox forwarding rules regularly.
- Limit who can access finance mailboxes.
What are SPF, DKIM and DMARC?
- SPF: lists servers allowed to send email for a domain.
- DKIM: adds a digital signature to emails.
- DMARC: tells receiving servers what to do with emails that fail checks.
Together, they make it harder for criminals to send emails that appear to come from your domain.
How can staff spot phishing?
- Unexpected urgency or secrecy
- Requests to change payment details
- Small spelling changes in addresses
- Links or attachments that seem odd
What should a response plan include?
- Stop any pending payments.
- Contact the bank immediately.
- Confirm with the real partner through a known channel.
- Change passwords and check accounts.
- Report to authorities if needed.
How do buyers and suppliers work together?
Agree in advance how payment details are confirmed, and inform each other quickly about suspicious messages.
Where does IMC fit?
PT Integral Mulia Cipta (IMC Group) exports coconut sugar from Central Java, Indonesia. Customers with any doubt about a payment message should confirm directly with the IMC team through known contact details.
Frequently asked questions
What is phishing? Fake messages designed to steal information or money.
Does DMARC stop all fraud? No, but it reduces spoofing of your domain.
What is two-factor authentication? A second step to confirm identity when logging in.
What if I already paid a fake invoice? Contact your bank immediately.
Questions about coconut sugar for your products? PT Integral Mulia Cipta (IMC Group), a Central Java producer since 2012, is happy to help. Email info@organic-coconut-sugar.com or WhatsApp +62 811 880 62273.
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