# Invoice fraud checks in NetSuite for importers

NetSuite covers part of invoice fraud checks on its own. Overseas payments are hard to recall. A wrong or changed bank account on a supplier or forwarder bill can mean lost money.

## Why it matters for importers

- Invoice-change scams often mimic a forwarder or supplier with a new account for a large shipment.
- If an Australian supplier does not quote an ABN on a business invoice, you generally must withhold tax at the top rate unless an exception applies.

## For importers in NetSuite

- Tick Payment Hold on a bill while an overseas supplier's details are being checked. Bills on hold are not paid by the Electronic Payment SuiteApp.
- The Payment Automation SuiteApp can hold a changed vendor until a second user approves, but Oracle says it supports only USD with ACH and check payments. Most Australian importers cannot use it, so lead with Payment Hold and a manual call-back to the supplier.

## What NetSuite does on its own

Role permissions and System Notes. The Payment Automation SuiteApp holds vendor bank detail changes for a second user to approve, but it supports USD only.

- Bank change approval sits in the Payment Automation SuiteApp. Oracle says it supports only USD, with ACH and check payments, so most Australian businesses cannot use it. Use Payment Hold and a call-back to the supplier instead.

The ANZ Localization ABN Verification Warnings setting flags an invalid ABN. Oracle does not say it checks the ABN register.

What you need and the setup steps: https://www.pulsify.tech/invoice-fraud-checks-for-netsuite/

## Example

An email from what looks like Example Overseas Supplier Ltd asks you to pay a USD 25,000 invoice to a new bank in another country.

- Goods invoice, USD 25,000: $37,500.00 (Amount matches the order)
- Beneficiary bank country changed (Different from the supplier record)
- Email domain (Different spelling from the supplier's usual domain)

The payment is held. Someone calls the supplier on a number from the original contract to confirm the account before any funds go.

## Common mistakes

- Paying a large overseas invoice to a new account on an email request.
- Not keeping the original bank letter for overseas suppliers.

## Step-by-step guides for NetSuite

- How to control vendor bank detail changes in NetSuite: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/control-supplier-bank-detail-changes-in-netsuite/
- How to set up a new vendor safely in NetSuite: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/set-up-a-new-supplier-safely-in-netsuite/
- How to check a vendor's ABN in NetSuite: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/check-a-suppliers-abn-in-netsuite/
- How to stop paying a vendor bill twice in NetSuite: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/stop-paying-a-bill-twice-in-netsuite/

## What Pulsify adds

Pulsify flags changed bank details, an invalid or missing tax ID and emails that fail sender checks. Pulsify connects to NetSuite. We set up the connection for you. More: https://www.pulsify.tech/fraud-prevention/

## Common questions

### How can an importer guard against a changed overseas bank account in NetSuite?

Payment Automation can hold a changed vendor until another user approves it, but Oracle says it supports only USD, so most Australian importers cannot use it. Tick Payment Hold on the bill and phone the supplier on a known number before paying. Both are manual controls.

### How can importers check an overseas bank change?

Call the supplier on a number from the original contract, not the email. Compare the beneficiary name, bank and country to your record. Hold payment until it is confirmed.

### Does NetSuite approve vendor bank detail changes?

Payment Automation does, but Oracle says it supports only USD and set-up is for ACH and check payments, so most Australian businesses cannot use it. Tick Payment Hold on the bill and phone the supplier on a known number before paying.

## Sources

- https://docs.oracle.com/en/cloud/saas/netsuite/ns-online-help/article_161968486146.html
- https://docs.oracle.com/en/cloud/saas/netsuite/ns-online-help/section_1006112830.html
- https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/hiring-and-paying-your-workers/payg-withholding/payments-you-need-to-withhold-from/withholding-from-suppliers

Source: https://www.pulsify.tech/invoice-fraud-checks-in-netsuite-for-importers/ (last checked 2026-10-19)