October 2025: AP Benchmarking: Where Does Your Team Stand?

November 12, 2025

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Fraud is one of the fastest-growing threats facing AP, and fraudsters are only getting more creative. From deepfakes and cryptocurrency scams to old-school phishing emails, the risks are multiplying. AP teams now sit at the intersection of finance and cybersecurity, responsible not just for processing payments, but for protecting the vendor data and company assets that fraudsters want most. Staying ahead requires sharper awareness, stronger controls, and a clear understanding of how attacks are evolving. 

This Month’s Quick Take: Fraud & AP in 2025 

  • BEC attacks are on the rise. Fraudsters are exploiting weak controls and using social engineering to trick AP teams into changing payment instructions, often with devastating financial losses. 
  • Phishing tactics are getting smarter. Scammers increasingly use AI to generate realistic emails, deepfakes, and even fake invoices, making red flags harder to spot. 
  • Vendor data is gold. Sensitive information like banking details, tax IDs, and email credentials are prime targets. Strengthening validation and verification processes is essential. 
  • The human factor matters. Even the best systems can’t prevent fraud if employees aren’t trained to recognize threats. Continuous education and clear escalation processes make AP your strongest defense. 

FREE WEBINAR – Cybersecurity Meets AP – Protecting Vendor Data in a Phishing-Heavy Landscape

Is Your Data Secure? Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern, it’s a critical function for AP. With phishing and BEC attacks escalating, AP teams are a frequent target for fraudsters looking to redirect vendor payments or steal sensitive data. In this webinar, we’ll hear from fraud expert Paul Zikmund on the latest fraud tactics, red flags to watch for in email communications, and best practices for securely handling vendor information. Walk away with actionable steps to safeguard your company’s assets and your vendor relationships in today’s phishing-heavy world. 

WATCH ON-DEMAND

 

When it comes to 1099 and 1042-S compliance, we wrote the book.

Stay compliant in 2025 with IOFM’s brand-new Master Guides for 1099 and 1042-S reporting. Packed with the latest IRS updates, expert insights, and practical guidance, these essential resources help your team avoid costly errors, reduce risk, and streamline year-end reporting with confidence. 

GET THE MASTER GUIDES

 

Business Email Compromise (BEC) Has Evolved to Cryptocurrency Payments: How to Stay Safe

As cybercrime evolves, so do the tactics of fraudsters. BEC attacks, once focused on traditional payment methods, now increasingly exploit cryptocurrency for illicit transfers. Understanding how crypto payments can be exploited and learning strategies to spot red flags helps protect your organization when paying vendors or accepting customer payments. Stay ahead of fraud before it impacts your bottom line. 

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Fraud Fighting Essentials: Tools & Insights from IOFM


Cryptocurrency, Treasury, and Fraud: Safeguarding Your Payments in a Digital World

As cryptocurrency becomes a more common payment method for businesses, fraudsters are evolving faster than ever, especially through BEC scams. Whether you’re exploring cryptocurrency for cross-border transactions, vendor payments, or customer receipts, this episode provides essential guidance for treasury and finance professionals looking to stay ahead of cybercriminals in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. 

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Vendor Validations: Add BBB Resources to Combat B2B Payment Fraud

In an era of increasing B2B payment fraud, the Better Business Bureau offers critical tools to help AP & AR teams vet vendors and customers before onboarding. From business profiles providing legitimacy indicators to charity reports via Give.org, BBB resources help prevent fraud by verifying identity, credentials, and complaints—making them an essential line of defense for vendor master file integrity. 

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