The Better Business Bureau will be offering resources to the business community throughout National Small Business Week, an event that recognizes the important contributions made by American entrepreneurs and their small businesses.
The Better Business Bureau is offering resources for small businesses through presentations focused on avoiding fraud schemes that could be targeting them, along with information on how to help create more trust with their customers.
BBB will be conducting several presentations on these topics this week:
• Tuesday, May 7 @ noon: Castroville Chamber of Commerce
• Wednesday, May 8 @ noon: Del Rio Chamber of Commerce
• Thursday, May 9 @ noon: Kiwanis of Kerrville
• Friday, May 10 @ 8:30 a.m.: Boerne Chamber of Commerce City Council Coffee Talk
Here are the top five fraud schemes used against small businesses along with tips for recognizing and avoiding them, according to the Better Business Bureau:
• Tech support: This often starts out with a phone call or a pop-up message on your computer saying a problem has been found. The goal is either to take your money or gain access to your computer. Be careful when you receive calls or warnings about your devices. Tricksters often pose as reps from well-known companies.
• Fake checks: Someone sends you a check and asks you to wire back the difference. By the time you or the bank discovers the check is fake, the person is long gone with your money. Always be cautious if someone sends you a check for more than the agreed upon amount. The overage is a trick. According to the BBB Scams and Small Business Research Report, the median loss for fake check schemes is $675.
• Fake invoices: Your business receives fake invoices or supplier bills for items (usually office supplies) they never ordered. Other times, someone may show up with unordered supplies and demand payment. The median loss for fake invoice schemes is $500. This can be an effective ploy for getting money, especially when business owners aren’t paying close attention to their regular bills.
• Directory listings and advertisements: Solicitors may attempt to sell your business ads and directory listings you don’t need. This can be tricky to spot, because they may be selling an actual ad, but it may not be worth the money due to low circulation. One victim who spoke to BBB’s Scams and Small Business Research Report said they bought advertisements with what they believed to be a local phone book, which disappeared after taking money and telling them delivery would take six to eight weeks.
• Bank/credit card imposters: With a median loss of $1,400, bank and credit card imposters are the riskiest schemes for small businesses. Someone calls you, posing as an employee from your bank or credit card company, and claims there is an issue with your account. They then ask for your account information for verification purposes. It is important to remember to never give your personal information to someone unless you are sure of their identity.
