Ever wondered why small businesses are particularly appealing to scammers? While big corporations may appear as a juicy target due to their extensive resources, small businesses present an appealing alternative for a variety of reasons. They often have less stringent security measures and limited resources dedicated to fraud detection.
Further, a lack of expertise in cybercrime or fraud prevention could make them easy targets for tech-savvy fraudsters. Essentially, to a fraudster's eye, a small business is a ripe fruit ready for the picking!
The Call from 'Amazon'...Or is it?
Phone scams are a classic trick in the fraudster’s playbook, with a modern twist being the use of number spoofing. Scammers often target businesses by spoofing mobile numbers in the hope they'll pick up. Spoofing involves fraudsters disguising their real phone numbers with other seemingly harmless, or even familiar, numbers. It's like getting a call from this mobile number, 07868 802242, which has been verified as a number used by Amazon. But don't be fooled! That call could very well be from a scammer, sitting in a shady corner of the world, waiting for you to take the bait.
Outsmarting the Scammers: Handy Tips for Small Business Owners
Thankfully, there are ways that business owners can stop their small businesses from being targeted or falling for scams. And rest assured, these methods don't require you to become a cyber security whizz overnight!
Education is Your Best Defence
Start by educating yourself and your employees about the common scams targeting small businesses. Encourage a culture of healthy scepticism. If an offer sounds too good to be true, or a call seems out of place, it probably is. Regular training sessions can be a fun and effective way to keep everyone in the loop about the latest scams and even important number codes that could indicate fraudulent behaviour.
Verify, then Trust
When you receive communication purportedly from a trusted entity like a bank or a popular service provider (remember the 'Amazon' number?), always verify its legitimacy. This could be as simple as calling back the official number listed on their website or checking the email address carefully. Don't click on any links or download attachments unless you're sure they're safe.
Keep Your Information Close to Your Chest
Treat your business information as you would your personal information. Be cautious about who you give it to and how it's used. Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorised transactions or suspicious activity.
Invest in Cyber Security
While budget constraints can be a reality for small businesses, investing in robust cyber security measures is non-negotiable. This could include firewalls, encryption software for sensitive data, or using two-factor authentication for important accounts.
Regularly Update Your Software
Keep all your software, including operating systems, antivirus programs, and applications, up-to-date. Often, these updates include security patches that fix vulnerabilities, which could be exploited by scammers.
Wrapping Up: Be Alert, Not Alarmed
While it's crucial to be aware of the potential threats out there, it's also important not to live in constant fear. After all, you've got a business to run! Just remember: with a bit of knowledge, a healthy dose of scepticism, and the right preventative measures, you can steer your small business clear of the tricks and traps laid by fraudsters. As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed. So, stay smart, stay safe, and keep thriving!