If you own a small business, a lot of hard work and dedication has kept your business strong and successful. But when your small business is targeted by a scammer, you risk reputation damage and income loss — so what can you do? Your best protection is to learn the signs of scams that target small businesses.

Be watchful of these scammer tactics:

  • Scammers pretend to be someone you trust — using a trusted government agency or a company you are currently connected to.

  • Scammers create a sense of urgency — rushing you for payment before you can check their claim.

  • Scammers use intimidation and fear — convincing you of a terrible consequence if you do not do what they are demanding.

  • Scammers use untraceable payment methods — requesting payment by reloadable cards, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Read more about these scams and others at FTC.gov/SmallBusiness.