Web Alert: Fraud at Novorossiysk

Following a recent call at Novorossiysk, one of our members was sent an invoice from Harbour & General Port Services seeking payment of services allegedly provided to the ship for MARPOL waste disposal ashore. The invoice had been purportedly signed by the Master and embossed with the ship’s stamp.
 
Fortunately the vigilant member double checked the invoice with the Master and it quickly became apparent that no such services had been provided to the ship. The invoice was therefore a forgery and a clever attempt to obtain money dishonestly. INTERPOL were duly notified.
 
A worrying aspect of this matter is that the ship’s stamp and the Master’s signature had been crudely copied in an effort to evidence that the invoice had been approved. Members are therefore reminded to be extra vigilant when checking invoices and to ensure that their payment procedures are secure.