Scam Warning - Spoofed Calls, Phishing Emails, Fraudulent Payment Requests
Be aware of possible fraudulent attempts by phone, email, or text message.
Scammers can try to steal your money or personal (or company) information by tricking you and making you believe the communication comes from us. Scammers’ requests can look to be legitimate from an official source via “spoofed” official phone numbers and email addresses, without having any connection to WIPO or to any of our Services.
We continue to raise awareness about these fraudulent schemes and work with governments to take action against scammers.
How can I spot a phishing email?
- Check the sender: our email addresses have “wipo.int” domain. – however, be aware that email addresses can also be spoofed or impersonated (e.g. wlpo.int)
- Analyze the content: our language excludes “urgencies” and “threats”, and we will only request personal information through our official platforms (for the creation of a WIPO Account)
- Verify links: hover the link to see if the URL has “wipo.int” extension (or upov.int)
How can I spot a spoofed call?
- Pay attention to the questions asked: our employees will not ask you for your personal or payment information over the phone. Do not give this data to anyone.
- Keep in mind that fees charged for WIPO services (PCT, Madrid, Hague, Lisbon, AMC) are to be paid directly to the International Bureau or where applicable, to the national/regional IP Office. Payments should not be made to third party services or organizations. In case of doubt, please contact the International Bureau.
How can I spot a phishing email?
- Check the sender: our email addresses have “wipo.int” domain. – however, be aware that email addresses can also be spoofed or impersonated (e.g. wlpo.int)
- Analyze the content: our language excludes “urgencies” and “threats”, and we will only request personal information through our official platforms (for the creation of a WIPO Account)
- Verify links: hover the link to see if the URL has “wipo.int” extension (or upov.int)
What should I do if I receive a scam call or email?
If you receive anything that you were not expected from us and have doubts about its legitimacy, do not provide information, make any payment or click any link and instead:
- contact our Finance Infoline at +41 22 338 77 44 to discuss, leave a message, request a call back or contact us using Finance Contact form
- contact your information security team or attorney as appropriate
- check our website for invoices relating to PCT applications or invoices relating to the Madrid System to see if similar notices have been received
- alert all colleagues who might receive such notices
- make a complaint to competent government authorities and/or consumer protection groups.
Learn more about phishing emails through samples
Take a look at images we have on what to spot in a phishing email:
Find more examples of fraudulent payment requests that are not coming from WIPO on the dedicated webpages: