Scams against businesses have become much more sophisticated, thanks to the Internet. The computer technology that makes it easier for us to do business also makes it easier for con artists to "do business."
The Better Business Bureau suggests the best way to avoid being scammed is to educate your staff on how to spot Internet scams and how to avoid them. Here are some red flags to help your business identify potential cyberscams:
- Beware of "techno-scam artists" promising to create and post your company's site, for a very low fee, but never follow through.
- Be cautious about downloading unsolicited e-mail. Some attachment files contain a virus that can wreak havoc on your hard drive.
- Be careful of e-mail messages threatening your company with legal action unless you pay for an overdue account. In many cases such e-mails request you call an 809 area code (which is in the Caribbean) for further information. If you do, you'll get a recording, and the pay-per-call phone number could end up costing your company hundreds of dollars.
- Be skeptical of offers to list your company's name in CD-ROM, Internet or fax directories. Before listing your company in these types of directories, verify their claimed circulation/distribution and make sure they exist. Ask for a sample CD-ROM or Fax Directory and call references at other companies using these services.
Web site attackers can target your server and change information on your Web page, steal credit card information, enter orders and redirect your shipments. There are also browser attackers who send incriminating electronic mail and make it seem as if it's coming from you. Advice? Use a secure server and take proper precautions to protect access to your Web site contents.
To combat these and other types of Internet scams, the BBB suggests you do the following:
- Always collect and check references carefully.
- Take steps to protect your office computers. Always run an anti-virus program to help prevent computer viruses.
- Instruct your staff to carefully evaluate e-mails from businesses they do not recognize, before determining whether to respond.
Always check out online companies with an impartial outside organization, like the BBB, before paying for merchandise or services. Contact your BBB for a reliability report or look for the BBBOnline Reliability Seal (www.bbbonline.org) on the company's Web page.