As a small business owner, falling victim to a scam can have devastating effects on your business. It’s crucial to be aware of the various types of scams that target small businesses and take measures to protect yourself. Some common scams include phony invoices and unordered merchandise, as well as fraudulent business coaching services.
If you receive an offer for business coaching services, it’s important to do your research beforehand and ensure that the individual or company is legitimate. You can contact your local Small Business Administration regional office for assistance in finding reputable business coaches.
Directory scams are another type of scam that have been targeting businesses for years. Scammers may try to persuade you to pay for a listing or advertisement in a fake directory, or they may falsely claim to be associated with a legitimate directory. If you encounter any suspicious activity, it’s important to report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Keep vigilant and stay protected from these types of scams that can harm your small business’s reputation and financial stability.