Common small business scams and how to protect youself!
You might be new to starting a business or you might have been in business for a decade, believe me, you WILL receive a fishy email, text or call that will look or feel real- but it all a con to get your money.
Just this week- after starting our third LLC, we relieved a letter stating “Pay $75 now and receive an official certificate of good standing and proof of existance.”
This was NOT a letter from the state of Virginia, so I immediately ignored it- but unfortunately, I have gotten calls about business owners so have paid money for these.
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Just this week for one of my clients- they received a mysterious email from a company wanting us to put a link from their website into our blog because of “copyright issues” ... but they didn’t have a phone number or email for us to contact their legal team to ask questions about it.
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At least once a week, I get a text or an email from someone wanting services, asking if I take credit card...
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How do you protect yourself as a business owner?
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I’ve heard of models in photography groups getting hurt for meeting “photographers” in shady spots.
I’ve heard of photographer’s gear getting stolen at a “Photoshoot”
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What are some practical steps to take?
Only answer phone calls if they leave a detailed message
Only take nail seriously if it’s from YOUR bank, your state or your government
Never send money over the mail to a company your not familiar with
Facetime with clients before even meeting with them
Don’t give money or an email ... only use official forms or deposits
Take deposits -no money, no service.
Have contracts in writing and only work with those that fill out paperwork properly.
Meet in public spaces.
Only do work for people you know and trust through mutual friends.
Bring a friend or a chaperone.
Don’t go meet after dark.
Do research on your client before working with them- check them out- have them fill out a survey or interview them.
Don’t engage or answer people that randomly DM you or email you from online unless you pre-check them out and you know them through a friend.
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There are so many scams/ negative people out there that want to take advantage of your business and money!