Roses Are Red, Controls Save You: A Valentine’s Day Reminder About Vendor Verification

Every February, we celebrate the people who keep our organizations running with heart. And in the world of finance, grants, procurement, and internal controls, that includes the professionals who quietly prevent fraudsters from breaking both hearts and budgets.

So here’s a Valentine just for them:

Roses are red, Violets are blue, If a vendor suddenly changes banks, Always verify that it is true.

It’s playful—but the message is serious.

Vendor banking changes are one of the most common entry points for payment diversion schemes. A single fraudulent update can reroute thousands (or millions) of dollars to an unauthorized account before anyone notices. And while the rhyme is lighthearted, the impact on programs, small businesses, and public trust is anything but.

Why Verification Matters

Fraudsters know that organizations are busy. They rely on rushed approvals, inbox overload, and the assumption that a request “looks normal.” But the professionals who safeguard public funds know better. They slow down, ask questions, and confirm the details—because every dollar misdirected is a dollar taken from the people and programs who truly need it.

Strong verification isn’t bureaucracy. It’s protection.

Simple Steps That Stop Big Losses

A few small actions can prevent major damage:

• ✔ Call the vendor or bank using a known number   Never trust the phone number in the change request.

• ✔ Confirm changes in writing   Use official channels—not the email that made the request.

• ✔ Document the verification   If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.

These steps take minutes. Recovering diverted funds can take months—if recovery is possible at all.

A Valentine to the Protectors

To the auditors, accountants, grant managers, procurement teams, and finance staff who keep fraudsters from breaking hearts and budgets: Thank you.   Your diligence protects small businesses, strengthens public trust, and ensures resources reach the people who rely on them.

This Valentine’s Day, remember: Love may be blind, but internal controls shouldn’t be.