National Cybersecurity Center
Informational Alert

How to Avoid Small Business Scams

Small businesses are being targeted by scammers who use fake invoices, misleading emails, and rushed messages to trick people into sending money or sharing sensitive information. Because these scams often rely on everyday business tasks, they can cause financial loss, data exposure, and damage to a business’s reputation.


Who Is at Risk

Small business owners and employees who handle payments, invoices, customer messages, or vendor communications are most at risk.

What to Watch For

Watch for urgent requests to pay invoices, changes to payment details, unfamiliar sender addresses, or messages that pressure you to act quickly.

What to Do

Pause before paying or replying, and verify any suspicious request using a separate, trusted phone number or contact method before taking action.

Stay Protected

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