{"id":440,"date":"2024-06-24T18:18:21","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T18:18:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omrusstaging.com\/greaterharrisoncc\/2024\/06\/24\/protect-your-small-business-from-spoofing-scams\/"},"modified":"2026-06-04T21:29:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T21:29:37","slug":"protect-your-small-business-from-spoofing-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omrusstaging.com\/greaterharrisoncc\/2024\/06\/24\/protect-your-small-business-from-spoofing-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect Your Small Business from Spoofing Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”]\n\t\t\t[et_pb_row admin_label=”row”]\n\t\t\t\t[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]\n

Following is a guest post by Amy Fryman, business development specialist at Friendship State Bank. Greater Harrison Chamber members are invited to share their expertise. Contact the Chamber<\/a> to learn more.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As small business owners, it’s crucial to ensure that your staff are well-trained to recognize and avoid spoofing scams. Local businesses have reported incidents where employees fell victim to these scams, putting their business at risk. Equip your team with the knowledge and tools to safeguard your business from these deceptive tactics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>
\n

Understanding Spoofing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spoofing is a type of scam where criminals disguise communication elements to trick individuals into believing they are interacting with a known, trusted source. This can involve deceptive emails, false display names, manipulated phone numbers, misleading text messages, or fraudulent website URLs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identifying Spoofing Tactics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To prevent spoofing, your employees need to be vigilant in spotting common tactics used by scammers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emails and Text Messages<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scammers may send emails or text messages that appear to come from reputable sources like financial institutions or other trusted business partners. For example, they might mimic official bank communications or use a phone number similar to your bank\u2019s number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phone Calls<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be cautious of phone calls that seem unusual or ask for sensitive information. Spoofed calls often use fake caller ID information to appear legitimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Websites<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fraudulent websites can look almost identical to the real ones. Always check the URL for slight variations that might indicate a fake site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is an example of a spoofing attempt: A scammer manipulated a text to appear as if it came from The Friendship State Bank Fraud Department. Note the typos and the unfamiliar phone number. Always verify such messages directly with the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Spoofing Tactics to Watch Out For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spoofers don’t just pretend to be financial institutions. They often pose as other trusted entities to deceive employees. Be aware of these common spoofing methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n