Cyber scammers are increasingly targeting businesses with sophisticated schemes that can disrupt operations and compromise sensitive information. According to a recent guide, three main types of scams—phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and fake invoices—pose significant risks to companies of all sizes.
Phishing attacks remain prevalent in the business world. In these scams, criminals send emails or messages that appear to come from trusted sources such as vendors, clients, or company executives. These messages often use real logos and urgent language to convince employees to click malicious links or share confidential data. If successful, attackers may steal passwords, install ransomware, or gain access to company systems.
To counter phishing attempts, the guide recommends several measures: “Train employees to spot warning signs, including unfamiliar email domains, generic greetings, and urgent requests. Verify suspicious requests by contacting the sender directly using known contact information – not by responding to the suspicious message. Enable multi-factor authentication for all company accounts. Keep software, email security systems, and filters updated. Back up data regularly offline. Use email authentication tools to block suspicious messages.”
Business email compromise is another growing threat. In BEC scams, criminals impersonate executives or trusted partners after researching company websites and internal communications. Their goal is often to trick employees into transferring money or sharing sensitive information through highly personalized messages.
The guide outlines prevention steps: “Train employees to pause and verify any urgent or confidential requests, even if they appear to come from leadership. Teach staff to recognize red flags such as unexpected payment instructions, pressure to act quickly, or requests for secrecy. Use email filtering and monitoring systems to flag suspicious messages before they reach inboxes. Require secondary approval for high-value payments or sensitive data transfers.”
Fake invoice scams also target businesses by sending bills for products or services never ordered. These scams can be hard to detect in organizations that handle large volumes of invoices manually.
To prevent falling victim to fake invoices: “Establish clear procedures for purchase approvals, invoice verification, and payment methods. Train staff to question invoices requesting unusual payment methods. Match each invoice to a valid purchase order, contract, or receipt, and have someone other than the requester review it. Use automation or AI tools to scan invoices, validate vendor data, detect anomalies, and flag suspicious requests. Require additional approval layers for high-value invoices.”
The guide concludes that cyber threats are becoming more advanced and no business is immune: “Understanding phishing, BEC, and fake invoice schemes, combined with employee training and strong technical safeguards, can help reduce risk and protect your company’s operations and information. By staying alert, verifying unusual requests, and fostering a culture of caution, businesses can defend themselves against these potentially devastating threats.”
For ongoing updates on local business initiatives in Fresno County—including resources related to cybersecurity—the guide encourages readers to stay connected with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
