What are some scams targeting small businesses?
Robert Schroeder: Toner and other office supply scams continue to operate. Protect yourself by knowing who you are dealing with – don’t fall for free or cheap “trial offers.” Yellow page directory and other advertising scams are also popular. Train your employees not to agree to a telemarketer’s offer of a free copy of a directory. Many businesses are deceived into signing contracts for credit card processing that have onerous fine print terms and tie the businesses to long-term equipment leases. If you are signing a lease for equipment or services, make sure the company you are dealing with is legitimate and will be around for the full lease term to keep the equipment working and provide any other promised services. Geoff Darling: Scammers are placing large orders for widgets and paying more than the cost of the goods with a cashier’s check. They then ask the business to wire the balance of the money to their “shipper” who will pick up the goods. The check is counterfeit, and they’re
