When opportunity knocks, we usually say, “Come in!” But what if it’s not opportunity—it’s a scam dressed up in your dream’s clothing? Erin Young, the owner of Nineteen Coffee, learned this the hard way when a supposed invitation to Highmark Stadium turned into a costly ordeal.
A scammer impersonating the Buffalo Bills communications team tricked a local coffee business into preparing for a fake event. The result? Thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges and emotional distress.
How It Works:
The scam began with an email that appeared to come from the Buffalo Bills communications team, inviting Young to showcase her coffee trailer at Highmark Stadium during a playoff game. The email included “legit-looking” documents to fill out, creating a false sense of trust.
As Young prepared for the big day, she noticed red flags—such as the lack of response to her follow-up questions about parking arrangements. When she contacted actual Bills employees, they confirmed her worst fears: the invitation was a scam.
By the time she realized the deception, the scammers had used the information she provided to make thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges on her account.
Who’s Targeted:
Small business owners are prime targets because they are eager to expand their reach and often deal with similar event opportunities. Scammers exploit their trust and excitement for big opportunities.
Real-Life Example:
“I was heartbroken,” Young shared. “We told so many people about this amazing opportunity, only for it to be taken away in an instant.” Despite the loss, her community rallied around her, buying her excess stock and showing their support.
Why You Should Care:
For small businesses, one fraudulent transaction can disrupt operations, drain resources, and damage trust. Events like this not only affect finances but also emotional well-being.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify Invitations: Always contact the event organizer directly using official channels before providing sensitive information or signing documents.
- Inspect Email Domains: Look closely at email addresses. Scammers often use slight variations of official domains.
- Pause and Research: If something feels off, take time to verify the details. Cross-check with others in your industry or community.
- Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check your business accounts for unauthorized transactions and set up fraud alerts.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid sharing sensitive financial details unless absolutely necessary and only through secure platforms.
Quick Tips & Updates:
- Quick Tip #1: Phishing emails often create urgency. Don’t rush; scammers rely on impulsive decisions.
- Quick Tip #2: Pro Tip: When dealing with large organizations, use official contact information from their verified websites—not what’s provided in an email.
This incident reminds us all to double-check, trust our instincts, and lean on our communities when times get tough. Scammers prey on opportunity, but vigilance and support can beat them at their game.
Key Terms Explained:
- Phishing: A cyber scam where fraudsters impersonate legitimate organizations to steal sensitive information.
- Fraudulent Charges: Unauthorized transactions made using stolen financial information.
- Event Invitation Scam: A scheme where scammers impersonate event organizers to exploit businesses.
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