NAB is providing small business owners with simple tips they can take to help protect themselves and their customers from scams.

NAB Head of Anti-fraud Services, Penny Dunn says the simplest measures can make the biggest difference and staying safe from scams starts with being aware.

“Online criminals don’t discriminate between large and small organisations, so it’s really important as a small business owner that you put the right measures in place to protect your business from disruption, information loss or even money loss,” Ms Dunn says.

With NAB research finding one in three Australians want to own their own business, it’s important for our small business customers to take simple tips and learn how to protect their businesses from scams.

In 2015, Australian small business owners reported more than 3,500 scams totalling more than $2.8M to the ACCC. The three most common types of scams reported to the ACCC were, false billing scams, buying and selling and investment scams.

Ms Dunn said that NAB recently piloted face-to-face fraud awareness sessions with our small business customers to help them stay safe.

“This is part of NAB’s commitment to make things as easy as possible for our customers by providing insights and ideas to help them live the lives they want,” Ms Dunn said.

Here are four really easy ways that business owners can protect themselves against scammers.

1. Know your suppliers

• Do your research and check your suppliers are legitimate. Start by looking them up online or organising a face-to-face meeting over Skype if they are based overseas.
• Always use your credit card when you make a payment to secure an order with a new supplier as credit cards offer additional protection.
• If you receive an email from a supplier advising that their usual bank account details have changed, call them on a number you know for that supplier to confirm before you make a payment.

2. Keep an eye on your accounts

• Track your expenses and keep your bills well organised. This will make it easier for you to detect fake accounts and invoices. Double check every request for payment. If you think a request is suspicious, independently check business details and do a search online.

3. Know your customers

•  Keep an eye out for any customer orders that are unusually large or a customer who wants to pay more than advertised price. If you receive a request like this always contact your customer to make sure it’s legitimate and speak with your banker if you need assistance.

4. Keep your information secure

• Make sure your office networks, computers, and mobile devices are secure. Update your security software, change passwords and back-up your data regularly. Store your back-ups offsite and offline.

These are just some ways you can protect your small business from fraud.

Learn more and stay up-to-date on the latest information by visiting nab.com.au/security.