For a small business owner, well-trained employees are a key defense against scams. If your employees can recognize social engineering attacks, spot fraudulent emails, identify fake websites, and maintain safe password practices, they are well-equipped to keep your business safe. What can you do to make sure your staff knows how to spot a scam? BBB recommends the following tips.
How to train employees to recognize a scam
-
Build awareness in your workforce. Ensure your employees understand the potential impact of scams and how they work. Help them understand what falling for a scam could cost your business.
-
Create a training program. Build a training program that fits the needs of your business. To do so, consider what scams your business is at high risk for and teach employees to recognize them. Give your staff plenty of real-life examples. Incorporate teaching methods that accommodate different learning styles. Keep your training concise, interactive, and user-friendly. Offer physical handouts employees can reference later, too, such as this brochure from the Federal Trade Commission. Set up a training schedule, stick to it, and ensure new employees receive training during onboarding.
-
If you outsource, go with a reputable company. Many small business owners use third-party fraud training companies with pre-made videos, materials, and quizzes. If you are considering purchasing a training course for your staff, ensure it comes from a company with a good business reputation. Check business ratings at BBB.org and other third-party websites to ensure other business owners have found the materials helpful and the customer service satisfactory.
-
Encourage open communication and confirmation. Always encourage your workforce to speak up if they see something suspicious. Scammers often target multiple employees at a company, so if one person sounds the alarm, it could prevent others from falling victim. Train staff to slow down, think…
Read the full article here