EUIPO warns of SPAM invoice with fake payment request

In a recent alert, EUIPO warns of a SPAM invoice with an incorrect request for payment, where the EUIPO is named as the alleged consignor. However, EUIPO never sends out invoices or requests for payment.

SPAM invoice with fake misleading payment request

The SPAM invoice with a false request for payment which has now been circulated is in the form of a falsified EUIPO decision, informs EUIPO. This SPAM invoice uses the EUIPO logo, name, acronym and letterhead and pretends to be a decision signed by the Office.

It is sent to users from Madrid (Spain) and contains a request to transfer a “registration fee” to a Polish bank account with the prefix PL IBAN.

EUIPO: fee structure and user area

EUIPO warns urgently against this SPAM invoice and refers to the EUIPO fee structure, which is also available on the homepage. EUIPO also advises to register for the user area at EUIPO. This will allow you to pay fees and receive communications from the Office through a completely secure channel; payment by credit card, bank transfer or through your EUIPO current account is possible in the user area.

EUIPO works with only two Spanish banks

EUIPO also points out that only two Spanish bank accounts are used by the Office for payments relating to trade mark and design fees. Any invoice containing a bank account other than these two is a fake.

Criminal charges filed and request for feedback

In addition, EUIPO has contacted the relevant Polish banks and filed criminal charges with the public prosecutor’s office in Warsaw, Poland. A criminal investigation is now pending, the Office informs.

Finally, the EUIPO urges anyone who receives this fraud e-mail to report it to [email protected].

The Office also asks for feedback from other IP offices that have experienced similar spam bills and false payment requests under their name.