Top 4 Tips to Keep Your Store Safe from Scams

In recent weeks, bookstore members have experienced an increase in phishing and scam emails that appear to be legitimate. Here are a few cybersecurity tips to keep in mind and share with your staff:

• Don’t click links from unfamiliar sources. Clicking a link, opening an attachment, or downloading a file can expose your computer to malware or spyware, which can be used to dupe you into revealing sensitive information or extract it while you go about your normal routine. 

• Don’t trust unexpected requests. An invoice that arrives outside of the normal schedule or an urgent plea for a wire transfer is a red flag. Closely scrutinize the sender’s email address, contact them through some other familiar means, or review the request with a  knowledgeable third party before providing payment, passwords, or other sensitive information.

• Double-check sources. Anyone can change their display name to “J Smith” or any other phrase they’d like, but spoofing the actual email address is not as easy and a review of their email address may reveal their true identity. Check addresses against previous communications.

• Mind their tone. Beware of awkwardly written emails or messages that have an uncharacteristic sentiment. When your very formal CPA opens an email with “Hey pal,” be suspicious. (But note that, perhaps thanks to AI, recent fraud emails have been much improved and closely resemble the tone and syntax of typical emails you receive.)

Train staff regularly to remind them of these important tips and encourage them to report any suspicious emails. Scams targeting small businesses pop up every day. Stay informed with resources like the following.

• Cybersecurity for Small Business (FTC.gov)

• Strengthen your cybersecurity (SBA.gov)