Robert Brown:Fraudsters target small businesses with scams. Here are some to watch out for

2025-05-01 17:17:46source:Grayson  Prestoncategory:News

NEW YORK (AP) — It’s never fun to be Robert Brownscammed, but if you’re a small business owner then falling for a scam can have long-lasting effects on a business, damaging client relationships and profit.

Plenty of types of scams exist, but a few affect small businesses the most.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, small businesses should be on the lookout for phony invoices and unordered merchandise. Scammers send out fake invoices and hope businesses won’t notice. Similarly, scammers call saying they want to confirm an order or verify an address, and send unordered merchandise they then demand money for. Small business owners are under no obligation to pay.

Another thing to watch: if you’re starting a small business, seeking out business coaching can be a helpful endeavor. But people offering those services aren’t always legitimate. They charge for services they don’t actually provide and ramp up fees. For legitimate business coaching contact your local Small Business Administration regional office.

The Better Business Bureau also warns of directory scams, which it says have targeted businesses for decades. Scammers try to get businesses to pay for a listing or ad space in a non-existent directory. Or they lie about being from a legitimate directory. Either way a small business pays for something that it never gets.

If you spot a scam, report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org/ScamTracker.

More:News

Recommend

Kentucky governor unveils paid leave plan for state workers with a new child or serious illness

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky plans to provide state employees with paid time off so they can bond

Kentucky judge keeps ban in place on slots-like ‘gray machines’

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Supporters of a Kentucky law banning slots-like machines scored a legal victor

Lululemon's Hot July 4th Finds Start at Just $9: The Styles I Predict Will Sell Out

We independently selected these products because we love them, and we think you might like them at t