Business Email Compromise (BEC)

At Scam Claims, we help victims and across the UK who have been targeted by fraudsters impersonating trusted business contacts, suppliers, or executives to trick employees into transferring money or sensitive information.

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a fast-growing type of fraud, with criminals using spoofed email accounts, hacked inboxes, and convincing payment instructions to deceive companies.

These scams cause not only financial loss but also reputational damage and risks of data exposure. Our solicitors provide specialist legal support to pursue compensation, challenge negligent institutions, and maximise the recovery of stolen funds.

Why Has Business Email Compromise Become a Growing Problem?

Business email compromise scams typically occur when fraudsters impersonate senior executives, finance staff, or suppliers to trick companies into making unauthorised payments. Victims often receive emails that appear genuine, containing forged invoices or urgent requests for transfers.

These scams exploit trust within professional communications and rely on urgency to bypass normal financial controls, making them difficult for employees to detect until it is too late.

How Much Money Do Victims Typically Lose to Business Email Compromise in or Around ?

Losses from business email compromise range between £3,000 and £20,000 from a single fraudulent invoice, while larger organisations have reported individual incidents costing £50,000 to over £100,000.

In the UK, “invoice hijacking” scams frequently result in losses of £20,000 to £30,000 per incident. On a global scale, the average loss per BEC incident is estimated at £60,000 to £65,000 (≈ US$75,000). For UK businesses affected by cyber-related fraud—including BEC—the median annual loss is typically £19,000 to £25,000.

These figures show that while some incidents cause relatively modest losses, Business Email Compromise has the potential to inflict devastating financial damage across every sector.

Which Types of Business Email Compromise Are Most Common Across ?

Fraud solicitors regularly deal with a range of business email compromise fraud cases, including:

• CEO fraud – Fraudsters impersonate senior executives to authorise urgent transfers.

• Invoice redirection scams – Criminals alter supplier bank details to divert payments.

• Compromised email accounts – Hackers gain access to genuine accounts to send convincing requests.

• Supplier impersonation – Fraudsters pose as trusted vendors requesting updated payment details.

• Payroll diversion – Emails redirect employee salaries to fraudulent accounts.

• Phishing and spoofing attacks – Used to steal login credentials for later fraud.

Can Victims Recover Funds Lost to Business Email Compromise?

Victims of business email compromise may be able to recover money depending on how quickly the fraud was reported and the payment method used. Bank transfers may qualify for reimbursement under Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud rules if institutions failed to act on warning signs.

Credit card payments may fall under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, while other routes may involve chargeback claims. Even when fraudsters remain untraceable, legal claims against negligent banks and platforms can improve the chances of recovery.

Contact Scam Claims to discuss your options for financial recovery.

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How Do Lawyers Work With Banks and Regulators to Recover Funds?

Lawyers specialising in business email compromise work closely with banks to trace fraudulent transfers, freeze compromised accounts, and challenge refusals of reimbursement.

Where necessary, they escalate cases to the Financial Ombudsman Service, the Payment Systems Regulator, and law enforcement. For cross-border cases, solicitors liaise with overseas regulators and international banks to track stolen funds. This coordinated approach strengthens victims’ claims and improves the likelihood of successful recovery.

Are No Win, No Fee Options Available for Business Email Compromise Claims?

Our business email compromise solicitors provide no-win, no-fee agreements, enabling businesses to pursue claims without facing upfront solicitor costs.

Fees are only payable if compensation is successfully recovered, usually as a percentage of the amount secured. This model ensures businesses can access expert legal representation without adding to financial strain after a fraud incident.

What’s the Process for Bringing a Business Email Compromise Claim Forward in or Around ?

The process of bringing a business email compromise claim begins with an initial consultation. Victims share evidence such as emails, payment records, and correspondence. Solicitors assess the strength of the case, file claims with banks, and escalate to regulators or courts if required.

Many cases are resolved through negotiation with financial institutions, while complex disputes may proceed to litigation. Throughout the process, clients receive clear communication and ongoing updates.

What Legal Support Do Fraud Solicitors Provide for BEC Cases?

Fraud solicitors provide a full range of services for business email compromise cases, including:

• Case assessment – Reviewing the claim and identifying recovery routes.

• Evidence gathering – Collecting fraudulent emails, invoices, and payment details.

• Claims against banks – Pursuing institutions for reimbursement under APP fraud protections.

• Regulatory complaints – Escalating cases to the Financial Ombudsman Service or regulators.

• Civil litigation – Taking legal action against fraudsters or complicit third parties.

• Reporting guidance – Supporting victims with reports to Action Fraud and law enforcement.

Do Solicitors Handle International Business Email Compromise Cases?

Solicitors regularly handle international business email compromise cases. Many scams originate overseas, and stolen funds are often routed through multiple countries.

Recovery efforts typically begin with UK banks but can extend to international regulators and financial institutions. Experienced solicitors use their cross-border expertise to maximise recovery opportunities and hold negligent institutions accountable.

Contact Scam Claimstoday to find out how we can support your case.

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