This page describes a real fraud type affecting SWIFT wire transfer users. If you believe you have been targeted, do not send money and contact your bank immediately. Verify any SWIFT payment free using the UETR tracker at the bottom of this page.
Fake MT103 Document Fraud
A fake MT103 is a forged PDF or screenshot that mimics a genuine SWIFT MT103 payment confirmation message. Fraudsters use these documents to convince a seller, exporter or landlord that a large payment has been sent — when in fact no money has moved at all. This is one of the most common SWIFT-related frauds affecting international trade and property transactions.
How This Fraud Works
The fraudster contacts a seller or exporter and expresses interest in a large purchase.
They claim to have "arranged the SWIFT transfer" and send a convincing-looking MT103 PDF, complete with a BIC code, bank logo, and even a UETR-like reference number.
The forged document shows a large amount and "Accepted" or "Instructed" status, creating a false sense of security.
The victim releases goods, transfers a counter-payment, or provides access to property before the payment actually clears.
The "payment" never appears in the seller's bank account. By then, goods have been shipped or access granted.
Red Flags — Warning Signs
The MT103 was sent as a PDF, screenshot or image — genuine SWIFT confirmations come from your own bank's correspondence, not from the payer.
The document shows a status of "Instructed", "Sent" or "Processing" — ACSC (completed) is the final status; anything earlier is not a guarantee of receipt.
The UETR in the document returns no result on Ohmyfin, or shows a completely different bank or amount.
The payer is very eager for you to ship goods before the funds clear in your account.
The BIC code on the document doesn't match the bank the payer claims to use.
The document font, logo or layout looks slightly off, or has been edited in a PDF editor.
The payer claims the funds are "on hold" and need a "release fee" to clear.
How to Verify Before Acting
Extract the 36-character UETR from the MT103 document (typically in field 121 or displayed prominently).
Paste the UETR into the Ohmyfin tracker at ohmyfin.org — this queries SWIFT GPI directly.
A genuine payment will show ACSP (processing), ACCC or ACSC (credited) status with the correct amount and currency.
If the UETR returns "not found", a different payment, or a different amount — the document is forged.
Never ship goods or take any irreversible action until you see ACSC or ACCC status with the correct amount in your Ohmyfin tracker.
Contact your own bank directly (not using any contact details from the document) to confirm receipt.
What To Do If You Are Targeted
Do not ship goods, grant access or release assets until the funds physically appear in your account.
Verify the UETR on Ohmyfin immediately — this takes 30 seconds and is free.
If you suspect a fraud, cease all communication and report to your national fraud authority.
Preserve all evidence (the fake MT103, email chain, phone records) for law enforcement.
Contact Action Fraud (UK), IC3 (US), or your national financial crimes unit.
Verify Any SWIFT Payment — Free in 30 Seconds
Paste the 36-character UETR from any MT103 or payment confirmation. If the payment is real, Ohmyfin shows the live SWIFT GPI status. If it's fake, it shows "not found". Free for individuals.
An MT103 is a SWIFT standard payment message used to instruct a cross-border wire transfer. It includes fields for the amount, currency, sending and receiving banks (BIC codes), beneficiary details, and — since SWIFT GPI — a 36-character UETR tracking code in field 121. A real MT103 is a bank-to-bank message, not a document given to payees.
How can I tell if an MT103 is fake?
The fastest way is to paste the UETR (field 121 of the MT103) into the Ohmyfin tracker. A genuine SWIFT payment will show a real status (ACSP/ACSC/ACCC) matching the claimed amount and currency. A forged document will either show "not found", a different amount, or a different beneficiary.
Is "Instructed" status on an MT103 proof of payment?
No. "Instructed" means the message was sent by the paying bank — it is not proof funds have arrived. Only ACSC (settlement completed) or ACCC (accepted by crediting institution) means the payment is genuinely complete. Track the UETR on Ohmyfin to see the real status.
Can I verify an MT103 on Ohmyfin for free?
Yes. Paste the 36-character UETR from the MT103's field 121 into the tracker on ohmyfin.org. The check is completely free for individuals, no account or signup required.
Who should I report a fake MT103 to?
Report to your national fraud authority: Action Fraud in the UK (+44 300 123 2040), IC3 in the US (ic3.gov), or your country's equivalent. Also report to your own bank and, if goods have already been shipped, contact a solicitor immediately.