The invoice fraud epidemic
Business email compromise and invoice fraud account for over €26 billion in losses globally since 2016. Attackers intercept or forge invoices, changing bank details to redirect payments. Even internal actors may alter invoice amounts or dates. The FBI reports that invoice fraud attempts grew 65% between 2019 and 2025.
Timestamping as a fraud barrier
When an invoice is timestamped immediately upon creation, any subsequent alteration is cryptographically detectable. The timestamp binds the exact content — amount, recipient, bank details, date — to a verifiable moment. If an attacker modifies any field, the timestamp verification fails, alerting the recipient before payment is made.
Integration with accounting systems
Modern QTSP APIs allow timestamping to be integrated directly into ERP and accounting software. When an invoice is generated, the system automatically requests a qualified timestamp from the TSA before emailing or uploading the document. The timestamp token is stored alongside the invoice for future verification.
Regulatory alignment
Many EU member states now require or strongly recommend timestamping for electronic invoices, particularly in public procurement. France's Chorus Pro platform, Italy's SDI system, and Spain's FACe all benefit from timestamped document integrity.