People think of criminals as shifty, uneducated, or creepy and they believe they can spot a criminal a mile away. In fact, fraudsters who operate scams targeting businesses are sometimes anything but what you expect. They can appear friendly, polite and professional in every way. What that means is that your misperceptions about fraud might make you a target.
Scams targeting businesses and Non-Profit Organizations account for a high percentage of total cases reported to BBB. Research shows that there is no typical fraud victim, but those who lose money to scams are 30% more likely to be scammed again within the year. Why? Because their names and addresses end up on "sucker lists", which are distributed to other scam operators.
Scam artists are finding new creative angles every day so be careful when you receive unsolicited offers, especially when a deal sounds too good to be true. How can businesses protect themselves?
*Closely examine any ads or offers and ask questions about anything that’s unclear.
*Inform yourself about the product and don’t be pressured to act immediately.
*Always ask for a copy of the offer in writing.
*Before paying, make sure you get what you ordered. Don’t be bullied into paying because of threats to damage your credit rating.
*Talk to your colleagues about fraud.
*Report your complaints or concerns to the BBB.
Also:
* Educate yourself and your employees on popular scam techniques
* Review all accounts payable for phony invoices and pay with a credit card
* Train your front-line staff
* Build an anti-fraud plan for your business
For more information or to schedule an interview with a BBB spokesperson, call 412-456-2700.
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BBB maintains a free online database with more than four million company reports on businesses at www.bbb.org. Additionally, consumers shopping online should look for the BBB seal on Web sites and click on the seal to confirm its legitimacy. And of course, consumers can always contact BBB directly at 412.456.2700 with questions, concerns and complaints.
About BBB
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability Reports and charity BBB Wise Giving Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring nearly 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.