Beware of These Popular Online Scams Targeting Small Businesses
As digital communication grows, so do the opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting business owners.
It’s important to stay informed about common scams that can threaten your business. In this post, we'll discuss two popular scams—one targeting Facebook page managers and the other trying to sell unnecessary voice search services.
Scam #1: Phishing Messages Targeting Facebook Page Managers
Facebook page managers are increasingly becoming the target of phishing attacks designed to scare them into giving up their personal information or access to their pages. Here's how it works:
How the Scam Works
You receive a message through Facebook Messenger claiming that your page is in violation of Facebook's terms and will soon be deleted. The message appears to come from Meta (the parent company of Facebook), but it’s actually from a scammer. They might include a link that supposedly takes you to a page where you can "resolve the issue"—but in reality, this is a phishing link designed to capture your login credentials or install malware on your computer.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Before You Click: Facebook and Meta will never send a message through Messenger asking you to take action on your account. Always double-check the source of the message and avoid clicking on any suspicious links.
- Check Your Facebook Page Notifications: Any legitimate updates or alerts about your page will appear directly within the Facebook app under your notifications—not in a Messenger chat.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Ensure that you have 2FA enabled on your account to add an extra layer of security, making it harder for scammers to gain access.
Scam #2: Unnecessary Voice Search Services
How the Scam Works
Scammers call your business and claim that your listing won’t show up in voice searches unless you pay them to optimize or register it. These fraudsters prey on the growing importance of voice search for business discovery, hoping that busy entrepreneurs will act out of fear rather than knowledge.
The Reality
- Siri Uses Apple Business Manager: If your business is registered with Apple Business Manager, you’re already set for Siri searches. There's no need for additional services.
- Google Voice Search Uses Google My Business: If you manage your business on Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile), your information will appear in voice searches on Google Assistant.
- Alexa Uses Yelp: For Amazon Alexa voice searches, your business information is pulled from
Yelp. Ensure your Yelp listing is accurate, but there’s no need for any external services.
How to Protect Yourself
- Know Where Voice Search Pulls Data From: Simply managing your listings on the correct platforms (Apple Business Manager, Google Business Profile, and Yelp) ensures your voice search visibility.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls: Legitimate services won’t use scare tactics to pressure you into purchasing something. Always research the claim before handing over any money or information.
- Stay Educated: The more you know about how voice search works, the less likely you are to fall for these scams. Keep your business listings updated directly with the platforms that matter.
Online scams continue to evolve, but by staying informed and cautious, you can protect your business from falling victim. Always verify the legitimacy of messages and calls, and remember that trusted platforms like Facebook, Apple, Google, and Yelp will never ask for your information in such aggressive or deceptive ways. Keep your business secure by taking control of your online presence directly.
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