How to Protect Veteran Small Businesses From Common Scams During NVSBW

National Veterans Small Business Week begins this week, and the Federal Trade Commission has issued a targeted alert for veteran‑owned firms. The agency is offering a free virtual event on Monday, November 9 at 11 am ET that walks participants through the most common scams and how to train staff to recognize them. The FTC’s advice is aimed at all small‑business owners, but it highlights the unique challenges veteran entrepreneurs face when scammers exploit their service records and community ties.

Why the Scams Matter Now

According to the FTC Consumer Alerts page, scammers are increasingly using fake invoices, fraudulent tech‑support calls, and impersonated government or business representatives to steal money from small businesses. The timing aligns with National Veterans Small Business Week, a period when many veteran owners are networking and seeking new contracts. That visibility can make them attractive targets for fraudsters who assume a higher likelihood of successful deception. The FTC notes that an informed workforce is the strongest defense, especially for businesses that may lack dedicated security staff.

Common Scam Tactics Targeting Small Businesses

The FTC outlines several patterns that have proven effective for attackers:

• Fake invoices that appear to come from trusted suppliers or contractors. These often contain realistic logos and reference recent projects, prompting quick payment.
• Tech‑support scams where a caller claims to represent a major software vendor or the IT department of a partner organization. They request remote access or payment for “urgent” fixes.
• Business or government impersonators who send emails or make phone calls pretending to be officials from a funding agency, tax authority, or procurement office. They ask for confidential information or advance fees.
• Phishing emails that use veteran‑related themes, such as thank‑you notes for service, to lure recipients into clicking malicious links.

Each of these scams relies on a sense of urgency and familiarity. Small businesses that lack formal verification processes are especially vulnerable.

What the FTC Webinar Offers

The free webinar, titled "Helping Military Veterans Protect Their Small Business from Scams," is co‑hosted by the FTC and the Florida Veterans Business Outreach Center. The session will cover:

• An overview of current scam trends affecting veteran‑owned firms.
• Demonstrations of how to verify invoices, caller identities, and official communications.
• Guidance on building a simple, repeatable training routine for employees.
• Access to FTC‑produced videos that can be shared with staff and business partners.

The event is open to all small‑business owners, but the FTC encourages veteran entrepreneurs to invite peers, creating a community of informed participants. After the webinar, attendees can download a checklist and a short video library for ongoing training.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Business

Below are actionable measures that any small business can start using today. They are derived directly from the FTC’s recommendations and require no special software:

• Verify every invoice: Contact the supplier using a phone number or email address from a previous legitimate invoice, not the contact details on the new request.
• Confirm tech‑support calls: Ask for the caller’s name, department, and a callback number. Hang up and call the official support line listed on the vendor’s website before granting access.
• Use a two‑person rule for payments: Require a second authorized employee to approve any outgoing funds above a set threshold.
• Train staff regularly: Schedule brief monthly reminders that cover one scam scenario, using the FTC videos or a simple slide deck.
• Document and report incidents: Keep a log of suspicious communications and forward them to the FTC’s complaint portal. Reporting helps authorities track patterns.
• Subscribe to FTC alerts: Sign up for the FTC Consumer Alerts mailing list to receive the latest scam warnings and share them with your team.

Implementing these steps creates multiple checkpoints that make it harder for scammers to succeed.

How to Keep Your Team Informed

Even after the webinar, ongoing awareness is essential. Consider these low‑cost habits:

• Post a short “Scam of the Month” note in a common area or on your internal chat.
• Rotate responsibility for reviewing the latest FTC videos among team members.
• Include a brief scam‑identification quiz in your regular staff meeting agenda.
• Encourage employees to ask questions without fear of blame; a culture of openness reduces the chance of a mistake going unreported.

By embedding these practices into daily routines, veteran‑owned businesses can protect their cash flow and reputation while they focus on growth.

The FTC’s free resources and the upcoming webinar provide a solid foundation for building that protection. Take advantage of the event, share the materials with your staff, and make verification a habit. Staying vigilant during National Veterans Small Business Week, and beyond, will help keep your enterprise safe from fraud.

Learn more about how attackers can gather information from your website and steps you can take