Being vigilant against fraud not only protects a business’ bottom line, it also strengthens customer trust in the business. Becoming a victim of fraud can negatively impact a business’ finances and reputation.

Each year, BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who fell for an invoicing scam or were misled into paying for products and services they didn’t want. Scammers aren’t always trying to steal money from a business; sometimes they are after a business’ financial or customer data and will use numerous high and low-tech methods for getting it.

Because small businesses often don’t have the resources to fight fraud, your BBB warns of nine scams that commonly target small businesses:

1. Directory Scams – A problem that has plagued businesses for decades involves deceptive sales for directories. Commonly the scammer calls the business claiming they just want to update their entry in an online directory or the scammer might lie about being with the Yellow Pages. The business is later billed hundreds of dollars for listing services they didn’t agree to or for ads which they thought would be in the Yellow Pages.

2. Office Supply Scams – Some scammers prey on small business owners hoping that they won’t notice a bill for office supplies like toner or paper that the business never ordered. Every year BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who were deceived by office supply companies and billed for products they didn’t want.

3. Overpayment Scams – Be extremely cautious if a customer overpays using a check or credit card and then asks you to wire the extra money back to them or to a third party. Overpayment scams target any number of different companies including catering businesses, manufacturers, wholesalers and even sellers on sites like eBay, Craigslist and Etsy.

4. Data Breaches – No matter how vigilant your business is a data breach can still happen. Whether it’s the result of hackers, negligence or a disgruntled employee, a data breach can have a severe impact on the level of trust customers have in your business. You can learn how to defend your business from a data breach for free with BBB’s Data Security – Made Simpler at www.bbb.org/data-security.

5. Vanity Awards – While it’s flattering to be recognized for your hard work, some awards are just money-making schemes and have no actual merit. If you are approached about receiving a business or leadership award, research the opportunity carefully and be wary if you’re asked to pay money to receive the award (though some legitimate award programs require an entry fee, paid before receiving the award).

6. Stolen Identity – Scammers will often pretend to be a legitimate business for the purposes of ripping off consumers. When it comes to stolen identity, the business doesn’t necessarily lose money, but their reputation is potentially tarnished as angry customers who were ripped off by the scammers think the real business is responsible.

7. Phishing E-mails – Some phishing e-mails specifically target small business owners with the goal of hacking into their computer or network. Common examples include e-mails pretending to be from the IRS claiming the business is being audited or phony e-mails from the BBB saying the business has received a complaint. If you receive a suspicious e-mail from a government agency or the BBB, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Contact the agency or BBB directly to confirm the legitimacy of the e-mail.

8. Smishing Scams – A relatively new type of scam involves text messaging.  Consumers receive text messages supposedly from well-known businesses saying they’ve won a gift card or prize money. When the consumer calls the phone number in the text to “claim their prize,” they are calling a phone line set up by scammers to capture sensitive information like bank account numbers, PINs, or social security numbers. Again, the spoofed business doesn’t necessarily lose money, but their reputation is potentially tarnished as angry customers who were ripped off by the scammers think the real business is responsible.

9. Vishing Scams - Scammers leave an automated message saying a credit card or bank account has been compromised, depleted or closed. The message includes instructions to call a number to get more information about this alleged compromise but instead individuals are asked for sensitive information.

For more advice on how to manage your business effectively, visit www.bbb.org/us/Business-Resources/.