Unfortunately, scams, hacks and digital breaches are a part of life. Given the technological climate we live in, we have to figure that on occasion information is going to fall into the wrong hands. This is why it's so critical to stay up to date on what type of scams are currently being perpetrated so that you don't allow yourself and your business to fall victim. Below are three scams of which you should be aware; these tend to target small business owners as well as their employees.
If you've recently looked into a business loan or have even gone ahead and filled out an application, there is actually a scam where someone posing as the bank and/or lender to whom you've applied, will request that you wire money to them by way of deposit in order to approve your application. Most lenders do not work like this. If you aren't certain, call the representative with whom you've been dealing directly to verify any such request you might have received.
Sending fake invoices is also an all too common scam enacted against smaller businesses. If a hacker is able to penetrate your communication system, they can effectively intercept emails from companies you work with. In turn, they are apt to send you a fake invoice in which they've altered the banking details. The business owner then, unfortunately, has been tricked into submitting payment to the scammer's account.
Every business wants to improve its search engine rankings, and some are willing to pay a monthly fee for such results. Be aware, however; there are fake SEO "experts" out there who insist that they can get you to the top of Google. They then take your money and perform no work at all. Always ask to see references, check those references, and if the email you received from this so-called service was unsolicited, it's probably better to ignore it.
We've worked with numerous small businesses; the last thing we want is to see your company taken advantage of. First Union has partnered with some truly dynamic organizations in helping them get funding for a multitude of projects and business needs, and we hope to continue to do so for many years to come. Call today to find out how we can help you!