The internet is brimming with opportunities for SMBs, but it also presents a playground for fraudsters. Their tactics have evolved far beyond the basic phishing email, becoming more personalized, sophisticated, and devastating.
While it’s critical to be vigilant year-round, scam activity spikes during the holiday season—a time when businesses are busy, transactions are high, and vigilance can dip.
Understanding these threats is your first line of defense. This guide breaks down the modern fraudster’s arsenal, explaining each scam in plain language and providing actionable steps tailored to your industry.
1. Phishing: The Digital Bait-and-Switch (Still a Major Player)
- What It Is:
Phishing is the original digital con. It's an attempt to trick you into divulging personal or confidential information (like login credentials, credit card numbers, or social security details) through deceptive digital communications, most commonly email.
- How It's Evolved:
Phishing attacks are far more sophisticated now. They often impersonate well-known brands, government agencies, or even internal company departments. They frequently include urgency (e.g., &q . . .
