5 Easy Steps to Stop Scams at Your Small Shop

5 Easy Steps to Stop Scams at Your Small Shop

Hey there, I’m Joe Knapp, and if running your small business ever feels like dodging digital headaches, you’re not alone. With over 20 years in tech, I’ve encountered all kinds of scams and fraud, and I’ll admit I’ve been caught off guard too—once losing money on a scam dog that never materialized. Today, let’s explore five easy steps to shield your business from scams, tailored for your busy schedule with no tech skills required, fresh for September 2025.

DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Step 1: Train Your Team to Spot the Red Flags

Your team is your first line of defense, like friends keeping watch on the street. Scammers love phishing emails that trick people into clicking bad links or sharing passwords. A quick chat can teach them to spot odd sender names or urgent pleas.

• Action: Grab a free FTC guide (ftc.gov/smallbusiness) and hold a 15-minute huddle this week. Encourage a pause before clicking—it’s like asking a neighbor for a second opinion.

Step 2: Lock It Down with Strong Passwords and a Password Manager

Weak passwords leave your data vulnerable. Password managers like 1Password, LastPass, or Bitwarden (all offer free tiers) let you use one master password to manage complex ones for each account. It’s like planting a sturdy fence around your shop—simple but effective.

Action: Pick one (search for 1Password, LastPass at lastpass.com, or Bitwarden at bitwarden.com) and set up that extra layer today.

Step 3: Secure Your Connection with a VPN

Anyone worried about keeping their data safe—whether on public Wi-Fi at the coffee shop or your own network—should consider a VPN. These tools encrypt your internet, protecting transactions and sensitive info from snoopers, much like locking the barn gate to keep the harvest secure. Options include Proton VPN (https://pr.tn/ref/VM3VT65QGZMG offers a free plan), NordVPN, or TunnelBear.

• Action: Install one this week—try Proton VPN, NordVPN at nordvpn.com, or TunnelBear at tunnelbear.com—to safeguard your data, no matter where you’re working.

Step 4: Verify Before You Pay or Click

Fake invoices can slip through like a register error—scammers send bills for items you never ordered. Always double-check with your records or the real vendor. Hover over URLs to ensure they look legitimate; if unsure, don’t click—call instead.

• Action: Make a rule: No payments without a quick call or email to confirm. Next invoice? Take a moment to verify—it’s smart business sense.

Step 5: Add Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Extra Protection

Even strong passwords can fail if stolen. MFA adds a second check—like a text code or app notification—making it tough for scammers to break in. It’s free on many accounts (e.g., email, banking) and easy to set up with apps like Microsoft Authenticator (aka.ms/authenticator), Google Authenticator, or Authy.

• Action: Enable MFA on your key accounts this week. I’ve helped friends use this to stop fraud—give it a try!

These steps are quick wins, not a tech overhaul, letting you focus on customers, not stress. I’ve learned from my own mistakes and seen friends thrive with these basics. Picture it like tending a field—start small, nurture it, and watch your business grow stronger.

Now, here’s a little something exciting: I’m launching Flannel & Firewalls, a newsletter straight from my Gen X roots, helping folks of all ages—families, business owners, and anyone navigating tech—stay safe with scam-proofing tips, AI trends, and more. It’ll weave in business safety too, like tending a field to protect your harvest. Weekly issues kick off soon (follow my socials for updates). Sign up at https://www.flannelandfirewalls.com!

What’s one step you’ll try first? Drop a comment or email—let’s keep the conversation rolling!