Watch Out: That Strange Invoice Email Could Be a Scam.

A Public Service Announcement.

Have you ever opened your inbox and seen a strange email from someone you don’t know — maybe with a subject like “Invoice Update” or “Payment Reminder”? You pause. You don’t remember buying anything. The name looks unfamiliar. The email address seems… off. And then there's an attachment or a link saying “view invoice.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These are classic signs of a phishing scam, and they're becoming more common and more convincing.

Let’s talk about what these emails look like, why they’re dangerous, and most importantly, what you should do if you get one.

🚩 The Red Flags: What to Watch For.

Recently, I received an email from a sender with the name Shaquita Cedric Bombich — not someone I knew. The email came from a strange address: comedyonlyschoolsickcoming@gmail.com. Along with that, there was a message about an “invoice update” and a name like Silva, Brandon Ana in the subject line.

That’s already three red flags:

1. A name I didn't recognize,

2. A completely random, strange email address,

3. A vague subject line involving money or a transaction.

Scammers want you to feel curious, confused, or worried enough to click before thinking. That’s their strategy — to make you act fast and skip the usual caution.

💬 “But What If It’s Real?”

That’s the scary part. Some of these emails are designed to look just official enough to trick you. They might mention common names or pretend to be from known companies like PayPal, Amazon, or Norton. But here’s the truth:

> If you didn’t buy anything, you don’t owe anything.

If a company is sending you a real invoice, it will almost always:

1. Come from an official email domain (like @amazon.com),

2. Include specific details about the purchase,

3. Use your name (not “Dear customer” or no name at all)

If an email skips those basics, it’s probably fake.

🧠 How These Scams Work:

Scammers use these tactics to:

-Get you to click a malicious link (which might steal your info or install malware)

-Trick you into paying a fake invoice

-Capture your login or banking details through a phony website

They might even try to scare you with phrases like:

-“Your account will be suspended.”

-“This is your final notice.”

-“Immediate action required.”

It’s all a trap. Their job is to create panic. Yours is to stay calm.

✅ What To Do (and Not Do).

If you get an email like this:

1. Don’t click anything.

2. Don’t download any attachments.

3. Don’t reply.

Instead:

Report it as spam or phishing (your email provider has this option).

Delete it.

If you did click something, run a malware scan on your device and change your passwords, especially for any financial or email accounts.

And if you’re ever unsure whether something is real — go directly to the company’s official website or app. Never trust the links inside a suspicious email.

🛡️ Stay Ahead of Scammers.

Unfortunately, scams like this are everywhere. But the good news is: once you know the signs, they’re pretty easy to spot. Keep these tips in mind:

If it feels off, it probably is.

Always check the email address, not just the name.

Slow down. Scammers rely on quick reactions.

🙋‍♀️ Share This with Someone You Care About.

Not everyone knows how to spot phishing emails — especially older relatives, teens, or people who don’t use email often. Forward this article. Talk about it over coffee. Help someone avoid falling for a scam that could cost them time, money, or peace of mind.

The best defense is being awa

re — and spreading that awareness far and wide.

So,

Stay safe, stay skeptical, and never let a random email rush you.