Business Email Compromise (BEC) and fraud attacks rely on deception and social engineering. Instead of using links or attachments, attackers impersonate trusted figures like coworkers, executives, or vendors to trick you into sharing sensitive information or transferring funds. These attacks can bypass traditional security tools because the emails often seem harmless.
Expect fake invoices, urgent wire transfer requests, or a vendor asking you to update payment details. The first email is usually brief—just enough to start a conversation. The attacker might spoof a display name, reply to an old thread, or ask you to continue the conversation via personal email or phone. That is often the giveaway.
Even though these attacks may appear low-effort, the impact can be significant. They can lead to wire fraud, compliance violations, and damage to the organization's reputation. Organizations lose billions to BEC attacks each year.