Don’t Let Business Fraud Become A Personal Headache!
By Edward Blanchette
As a business we deal with a lot of people in business, both big and small businesses. Being part of a small business, as compared to a large business, we tend to pick up on fraudulent activity a little quicker. That doesn’t mean it’s any easier, just that the trail is a bit smaller to follow, so we become aware a bit sooner. But people that are in the business of enacting fraudulent activity and tactics only have one thing in mind… Getting to your money or property, no matter who you are or who they hurt.
Today with technology, social media, and the lack of direct human face-to-face interaction, it’s hard to know if the people and businesses you deal with on a daily basis are really on the up & up. And not some dark web shadow figure lurking through cyberspace for a chance to pounce on you or your business or infect your system with malware. From swipe card readers, spoofing a business phone number that looks legit, that suspicious email link just waiting for you to click on, to the apps and websites that look so real to the originals’ it’s usually hard to tell. Even the phone number on the back of your bankcard may be suspect at any time.
So, what do you do?! Well, first off though it may be daunting, but don’t despair. If you receive a call from an alleged company you do business with, even if the phone number looks legit on your caller ID, but the intent from the caller is suspect, tell the caller you’ll have to call back or simply hang up and call the company home office, branch, or representative you do business with directly. Next, report the incident to the authorities and make it known for the record. It may seem innocent or a hassle at first but getting people on your side and aware is a big part of thwarting the fraud before it becomes an even bigger hassle or problem.
Don’t click on any links, apps or websites that look or seem suspicious. Always be mindful! Recently, I received an email from what I thought was a prospective advertiser, looking to place an ad. The email sender wanted me to reply to a different email link. But I just hit reply to my email to the original email he/ they used, asking them to call me directly via my phone number. Days later, I received another email from the same sender, again, more sternly asking for me to use the email link supplied. I immediately hit block sender and deleted the email.
In another instance, I received word that one of my clients had received a suspicious phone call and the caller said they were representatives of my company. The caller had an accent, and the phone number was not familiar. Being that my client knows who I am and the owner directly, an email was sent by them making us aware of the indiscretion. I then called my client to reassure them that we would not solicit their business in that way and suggested she call the authorities to file a report. I thanked her for making us aware and being vigilant.
How to be aware and stay vigilant…
- When researching and searching for websites online, make sure you connect to the authentic website. Sometimes, if you’re not careful, you could click on a link that leads to another link that could have broader implications. Do Your Homework.
- If someone sends you a link in email or text that you are unfamiliar with, do not click on it or open the link. See something, say something. Or hit delete!
- Make sure any apps you come across are legitimate before downloading. Again, Do Your Homework.
- If you’re not sure of a phone number, letter or email from a company or financial institution that you deal with, contact or go to their main office or branch in your area you deal with to ensure authenticity of the message received.
Below are a number of contacts you can report fraud to in Pennsylvania by contacting the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) at 1-855-FRAUD-PA (1-855-372-8372) or OSIG.pa.gov, the PA Attorney General at 1-800-441-2555, or the 1-844-DHS-TIPS hotline for public assistance fraud. Common frauds include scams, identity theft, or public assistance abuse. Be safe, be well, and stay positive.
Key Pennsylvania Fraud Contacts
- General Fraud & Scams (PA Attorney General): 1-800-441-2555 or submit a complaint online.
- Government/State Agency Fraud (OSIG): 1-855-FRAUD-PA (1-855-372-8372) or online form.
- Public Assistance/Medicaid Fraud (DHS): 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
- Unemployment Compensation/Labor Fraud: 1-800-692-7469 or file a report online.
- Identity Theft (PA Revenue): Online report.
- Driver’s License/Vehicle Fraud: Report online.
Federal & Other Resources
- Identity Theft/Scams: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or 1-877-IDTHEFT.
- Credit Bureaus (Fraud Alert):
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 or equifax.com.
- Experian: 888-397-3742 or experian.com.
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 or transunion.com.
- Local Police: Contact local law enforcement to file a report.
For tax-related scams in PA, contact the PA Department of Revenue.