Attention Business Owners – The Fraudsters are After
If you own a business, or are thinking of starting your own business, you need to be aware of the many scams out there trying to separate from their hard earned money. This article will discuss some of the most common scams aimed at owners of small businesses and how to avoid becoming his next victim.
One of the most common scams are likely to see the significance of being charged for ads in magazines and directories that never applied and did not even exist. Con artists might send thousands of these bills, “knowing that some owners simply pay them without checking to see if they are legitimate. Ensure that all orders received and not according to place an ad by telephone with a person or company not know, no matter who they claim to represent.
Another popular scam is to consider the overpayment scam. A “customer” will call and for some goods for which send a check to cover. When the bill comes, that has spanned more than the amount payable for the goods and the buyer, the seller asked to reimburse the difference. Since the check is not good, first, a business owner sending the merchandise, refund, or often both, before the check is started. Make it a policy not to ship the goods before the arrival of a client clears. The same goes for any rebate that would be looking .
Another scam has been around for a good time is when the company receives a phone call supposedly sells office supplies or toner cartridges. You may or may not receive the merchandise, but are guaranteed to receive a highly inflated bill as allegedly ordered. Invoices will often have the name of an employee who “placed” the order. Be very careful, and advise their employees to be careful, so when someone calls to ask questions or giving rare hard sell office supplies. The easiest way to deal with them is simply hanging up the phone. It is likely to be just an easier target.
Each time you or your employees, buy anything over the phone, make sure it was you who initiated the call and you know you’re dealing with. Never place an order or credit card to anyone who does not know. Scammers have been known to use these and many other methods to try to separate small business owners their money and merchandise.
In order not to become his next victim, make sure you do not let anyone intimidate you into paying for something they do not want or order. Use good business practices such as non-delivery of goods until payment is actually received and always check any company or individual being treated. Finally, do not make the mistake thinking you will drive away legitimate customers with caution. Real customers will be delighted to see that protects you, because they know they will keep you in business and allow you to offer them the merchandise they are looking at the best price possible.