Increased prevalence of imposter scams reported by Better Business Bureau

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, businesses are increasingly becoming targets for scammers. A recent study by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reveals that scammers are using stolen data, impostor schemes, and fake services to steal billions each year, with many scams involving non-traditional payment methods such as cryptocurrency or gift cards.

The FBI's nationwide 2024 Internet Crime Report listed tech support fraud as the 6th most common complaint, despite the BBB's recommendation to hire or contract with someone for IT services and cybersecurity support. This highlights the need for businesses to be more vigilant than ever.

The BBB study advises verifying any unexpected invoice or request for novel payment by phone or in person. If there's any doubt, contacting the local Occupational Safety and Health Administration office can help verify a vendor. If a business name does not appear on bbb.org, conducting an internet search for the business name is recommended.

Small businesses, in particular, are vulnerable, as they often lack a dedicated IT team to protect against ransomware attacks, data breaches, or other threats. The BBB study suggests that companies should implement employee training and security measures like multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive information.

The study also sheds light on "internal scams," where the would-be thief impersonates a company's employees to get financial information or request payments. To combat this, the BBB recommends regular employee training and maintaining a culture of vigilance.

The BBB provides resources and tips for businesses, including a scam-survival toolkit, on its website. The FBI report states that email compromise targets businesses or individuals working with suppliers and/or businesses regularly performing wire transfer payments. Therefore, it's crucial to be wary of suspicious emails and verify the authenticity of requests before making any payments.

Unfortunately, cases of scams are not uncommon. A recent Alaska case involved a fake Occupational Safety and Health Administration education product, resulting in a loss of $95 for a business. There is no available information about any company or person conducting a $95 fraud in Alaska in 2025 by offering a false safety training presented by an occupational safety and health authority.

In light of these threats, Dixon, a representative from the BBB, emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance in protecting businesses from scams. He recommends searching a business name at bbb.org for its profile, which includes a letter grade, customer reviews, and any complaints. If no information about a business is found, it's deemed a major red flag.

A 2024 survey by the US Chamber of Commerce found that 60 percent of businesses were concerned about cybersecurity. With scammers becoming more sophisticated, it's essential for businesses to stay informed and proactive in protecting their assets. The BBB's resources, coupled with a culture of vigilance, can help businesses navigate this challenging landscape.