Spam Alert! Hot Tips to Protect Your Small Business from Email Scams
Posted on May 27th, 2025
Let’s be clear upfront — we’re not cybersecurity experts.
We’re just a small business, like you, trying to navigate the digital world safely. Over time, we’ve picked up a few common-sense rules that help us avoid the scammers who love to target busy business owners.
So while this isn’t professional tech advice, these are the simple things we do to protect ourselves — and they might help you too.
Hot Tips to Spot and Stop Email Scams
Check the Sender’s Email Address Closely
Scammers love to impersonate big brands with email addresses that look legit — but aren’t. Always hover over or tap the sender’s address to see the actual domain.
Be Wary of Urgency and Pressure
If an email is screaming things like ‘Act now or lose access!’ or ‘Your account is in danger!’, it’s likely a scam. Real businesses don’t pressure you like that, especially without warning.
Never Click on Dodgy Links
If the link looks strange, don’t click it. Hover to preview where it really leads. Go directly to the official website instead.
Generic Language is a Red Flag
Scam emails often say ‘Hi there’ or ‘Dear user.’ A legitimate email usually uses your name or business name.
Never Share Sensitive Info Over Email
Never share passwords, bank details, tax info, or login credentials. No real company will ask for this by email.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable 2FA on email, social accounts, and tools. It adds an extra layer of protection, even if someone gets your password.
Make Security a Team Habit
Talk about email safety with your team. Even one innocent click can lead to a lot of damage.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
Big companies have whole IT departments to protect them. For small businesses like ours, we are our own IT team — and that makes awareness our best defense.
Spam emails aren’t just annoying — they can lead to:
– Lost money
– Hacked accounts
– Breached customer data
– Hours (or weeks) of cleanup
But the good news? Most scams follow predictable patterns. And once you know what to look for, they’re easier to avoid.
Our Quick “Uh-oh” Checklist
✅ Don’t click any links
✅ Don’t download any attachments
✅ Mark it as spam or phishing
✅ Delete it
✅ Reach out directly (via a trusted channel) if something seems off
We’re not tech pros — just fellow business owners trying to stay smart.
Hopefully, these tips help you stay a little safer and more confident when sorting through your inbox.
