It’s not every day you’re invited to a non-existent event at Fort Stewart, but scammers are working overtime to make that happen. If only their creativity was used for good! Let’s dive into this latest scam and how to stay one step ahead.
Summary:
Fraudsters are promoting fake government-hosted small business events, like a phony one allegedly set for August 2025 at Fort Stewart. These scams often involve charging fees for participation—fees that legitimate Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) events never require.
Details:
How It Works:
- Scammers create advertisements for small business events supposedly hosted by MICC or similar government entities.
- Victims are asked to pay fees to register, promising business insights or opportunities at these fake events.
- No event exists, and once the fee is paid, the fraudsters vanish with the money.
Who’s Targeted:
- Small business owners and entrepreneurs eager to collaborate with the government.
- Professionals who may not be aware of MICC’s policies against charging fees for such events.
Real-Life Example:
The fraudulent "Fort Stewart" event was advertised for August 2025, promising a government-hosted forum. This event was entirely fake, as confirmed by MICC. The scam capitalized on the trust people place in official-sounding events, but the truth unraveled when details didn’t add up.
Impact and Risks:
Why You Should Care:
Falling victim to this scam could mean financial loss, wasted time, and missed genuine opportunities to connect with the government. Worse yet, sharing personal or business details during the registration process could expose you to identity theft.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify Legitimacy: Always confirm event details through official MICC channels, such as their small business webpage or social media platforms.
- Know the Policy: MICC does not charge fees for small business events. Be wary of any event asking for payment.
- Cross-Check Announcements: Legitimate MICC events, like the 2025 APBI scheduled for May 5-8, are published on trusted platforms such as SAM.gov.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, notify MICC or your local authorities immediately.
Quick Tips & Updates:
- Quick Tip #1: "Did you know? Scammers often create fake event pages to mimic official government gatherings. Always confirm details directly through trusted sources."
- Quick Tip #2: "Pro Tip: Avoid sharing sensitive information unless you’re sure of the event’s authenticity."
Engagement & CTA:
"Have you come across a suspicious event invitation or been asked to pay for a government event? Share your experience with us—we can help protect others from falling into the same trap!"
Closing & Sign-Off:
Staying informed is your best defense against scams. Share this knowledge with your network, verify every link, and always double-check before sending payments or personal details.
Key Terms Explained:
- MICC: Mission and Installation Contracting Command, responsible for contracting support for the Army.
- APBI: Advance Planning Briefing for Industry, a legitimate MICC event for industry professionals.
- SAM.gov: The System for Award Management, a platform where official U.S. government business opportunities are posted.