Guard Your Online Business: Smart Moves to Beat Scams in 2026

In 2025, fraudsters took a big bite out of companies worldwide, swiping 8% of their revenue. Big corporations might shrug it off, but for small business owners, this can be a knockout punch. So, what's the game plan to stay safe online? Scammers are getting craftier. In 2023, fraud attempts on businesses shot up by 71%. To fight back, experts have pinpointed the most common online scams and shared some savvy tips to outsmart them. First up, phishing scams. These tricks try to steal sensitive info like passwords and credit card details. They come as fake emails or texts that look legit but are actually traps. To dodge these, business owners should train their teams to spot red flags like spelling errors, suspicious senders, and urgent requests. It's also smart to use advanced email filters, limit data access, and keep software up to date.Then there's chargeback fraud, where customers trick their credit card companies into reversing payments. To avoid this, businesses should keep customers in the loop with tracking info and prompt email confirmations. Good customer service and verifying suspicious orders can also help. Return fraud is another headache. Customers might try to return different items or used products for a refund. To combat this, businesses should have clear return policies and inspect items before refunding. Merchant fraud happens when scammers pose as legitimate businesses. To protect against this, businesses should include clear company details on all documents and use secure payment methods. Regularly updating security measures can also help. Lastly, wire transfer fraud tricks people into sending money under false pretenses. To stay safe, businesses should avoid sharing sensitive info, use strong passwords, and be wary of unexpected invoices. If a scam slips through, acting fast to contact the bank can help stop the transaction.