Fraudsters are implementing increasingly clever tactics in order to steal from unsuspecting people. At Euler Hermes we have seen the impact fraud can have on businesses, so here we share tips to help you keep your business safe:
Steer clear of messages from people who say they represent a business but use a Gmail or Hotmail address. If they do use a company name in their email, a quick cut and paste into a search engine will provide an indication – if not proof – that the company is genuine.
Offer to visit your prospective customer at their premises. If they decline, that’s a red flag. If they invite you over then a few simple checks will build evidence that it’s a genuine business. Is their branding obvious, are there staff members you can speak to, does it look like the business is established or like they have just moved in?
Search online for any news stories or other mentions of the business, your contact’s name or the brand. Do the same on social media websites, like Twitter and Facebook, where people are always keen to air their grievances. What are people saying about the business? Remember that if people are saying nothing, that could be a red flag too.
It almost goes without saying, but don’t pay a deposit to secure a contract or hand over money for any other reason without proper checks.
Fraud is a major problem for growing businesses, but by following these
tips you can dramatically reduce your chances of falling prey to
criminals.