AI can do some amazing things… but also some weird and dodgy ones. One thing that’s popped up lately? People using AI to create fake receipts and invoices – and they look very real. Like, convincing enough to get through a busy finance team on a Friday afternoon real.
So, from an accountant’s point of view – this is one to watch. 👀
What’s Going On?
A recent article from Metro flagged that some employees are using AI tools to submit deepfake receipts in their expense claims. These aren’t your classic dodgy scans or half-baked PDFs. These are AI-generated, pixel-perfect, and scarily legit-looking.
We’re talking:
- 🧾 Receipts that match real suppliers
- 🔢 Barcode and VAT numbers that check out
- 📅 Dates and times that fit someone’s diary
It’s basically Photoshop… on steroids… with a LinkedIn profile.
Why it Matters
If you’re a business owner or finance manager, this stuff can:
- 🔒 Slip through manual checks
- 🧮 Mess with your bookkeeping and VAT returns
- 😬 Create problems if HMRC ever comes knocking
And it doesn’t stop at receipts. Invoice fraud is also on the rise – where dodgy invoices are emailed in looking like they’re from your regular suppliers, but with one sneaky change: the bank account details.
We know, lovely stuff. 😅
Tools to Help Spot Fakes 🛠️
Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom – a few clever tools are stepping up:
- Taggun can help sniff out fake receipts using machine learning
- Hoxhunt breaks down how invoice scams work and how to spot red flags
- And trusted expense management tools like Dext, ApprovalMax, and the classic Receipt Bank help automate checks and keep everything secure
Best Practice Tips for Reviewing Expenses 🧾✅
Here’s what we recommend (and what we do ourselves):
- Don’t rely on one pair of eyes – make sure high-value or unusual expenses get a second glance.
- Double check the vendor, VAT number, and formatting – weird spacing or odd file names can be a giveaway.
- Use secure tools like Dext, ApprovalMax, or Receipt Bank to manage receipts and approvals properly.
- Keep the rules clear – let your team know what counts as a genuine expense, and what doesn’t.
- Run random spot checks – not because you don’t trust people, but because it’s smart business.
One Last Thing (Ahem) 🙃
We know some people might be tempted to test out AI for a laugh or to “make a receipt look better.” But here’s the truth:
- 👉 If you didn’t spend the money, don’t claim it.
- 👉 HMRC are not going to find it funny.
- 👉 And it’s just not worth the risk.
Claiming genuine business costs? Absolutely fine. Fiddling around with fake docs? Big no-no.
Need a Second Opinion?
If you’re unsure about your expense process – or just want us to give it a once-over – give us a shout. We’ll help you keep things above board, efficient, and as stress-free as possible.
Because running a business is hard enough without dodgy receipts messing up your day. 😉
