Scams and Your Small Business 

 

Small businesses have increasingly become the target of scams targeted specifically at them.  Scammers use many techniques, including sending phony invoices for items never ordered; using prizes as an inducement to sell overpriced office equipment and supplies; sending phony correspondence appearing to be from the Florida Division of Corporation or other government entity; and sending phony yellow page advertisement renewal forms which are actually contracts for advertisement in other directories.  In 2018, BBB released groundbreaking research on scams specifically targeting small businesses.  Small business scams, although similar in many ways to scams that target consumers, could be hindered through a more focused and segmented approach in research, reporting, and educational outreach.  We hope this new research will serve as a step forward in expanding this important conversation and help protect small businesses from being victimized by common scams.

  

Bryan is Director of Public Relations and Outreach for Better Business Bureau serving West Florida and promotes BBB's message of marketplace ethics through public speaking engagements, presentations, media relations, press releases, web content and other written materials.  His goal is to connect with consumers and business owners in a trustworthy environment and encourage best practices.  He has over 24 years with BBB serving many positions:  customer service, investigations and operations specialist, mediation specialist for BBB's Auto Line Program and Director of Business Relations/Accreditation. 

Bryan can help your business become successful by infusing trust into your brand.  He will provide you with the tools and resources that can assist in building a trustworthy business culture that will attract new customers and encourage retention and repeat buys.  As a Business Relations Executive with Better Business Bureau, he has helped small businesses increase their level of trust and professionalism in the marketplace.