Small business scams and how to avoid them

Do you think you might be safe from scams? Whether it be consumers or business owners, according to the Better Business Bureau scams against small businesses are growing.

“Businesses face scams but what we have found is that the small businesses when they’re hit, they lose a sizable amount,” said Jeremy Johnson, the Eastern Idaho marketplace manager for the Better Business Bureau. “It definitely impacts because they’re a little bit smaller.”

The BBB found that the top three business scams were; fake check scams, and tricking companies into paying for non-existing online advertising. The number one riskiest scam is bank or credit card imposter scams…

“We would never as a credit union call a number for example and ask them to give us their personal information because we already have it,” said Brett Bawden, a business relationship officer for the Idaho Central Credit Union.

Although it might be hard to not get in contact with these scammers, there are some tips to make sure these scams don’t affect you.

Training your employee’s by discussing scams in meetings, and how to respond to random phone calls or emails.

Always verify invoices and payments and don’t pay until you’ve confirmed you actually received the goods or service.

Be tech-savvy by knowing what sources to download from and secure any files, passwords, and financial information.

“There are many people, businesses included that are getting had by the cybersecurity out there,” said Bryan Magleby, a business consultant for Idaho Small Business Development Center. “t’s a problem everybody is at risk to it.”

Always know who you’re dealing with by doing research on the company before doing any business with it.

The BBB says by spotlighting these scams helps fight against scammers and minimize con artists tricking businesses.