Scammers, Schemes, & Shady Messages: How to Protect Your Small Business
When I first launched Rise Up Designs, I expected to deal with pricing questions, custom order requests, maybe a few tough customers. But what I didn’t expect was to almost get scammed after posting a tumbler I was super excited about. Let’s talk about something no one really warns you about when you start selling online—scammers. 👿
Soooo here’s what happened, how I almost fell for it, and how you can protect yourself.
The Setup: How I Almost Got Scammed
I had just finished a super cool tumbler—one of those “wow, this might be my favorite thing I’ve ever made” moments. So naturally, I posted it on social media, thinking nothing of it. A few likes rolled in (yay!), then a comment appeared:
💬 “Is this available for sale?”
Cue instant excitement! 🎉
I hadn’t even listed it on Etsy yet, but hey—maybe this was a chance to sell directly through social media. (Spoiler alert: This is where I should have been more cautious.)
The Red Flags Started Rolling In
🚩 Urgency, urgency, urgency.
The person was suddenly VERY eager to buy. They kept asking:
- 👉 “Can you check your messages now?”
- 👉 “Did you see my email?”
- 👉 “I need this ASAP.”
They didn’t want to use Etsy. They didn’t want to pay via Venmo or PayPal (you know, secure platforms). Instead, they sent me a mysterious payment link and insisted I check my spam folder.
🚩 Weird communication patterns.
They dodged direct questions, their messages didn’t quite sound natural, and they kept repeating phrases like a script. That’s when it hit me.
This was a scam. 😖
And the worst part? I was SO excited about the sale that I almost ignored the warning signs.
How to Spot a Scam Before It Happens
🚨 If someone is pressuring you to move quickly, slow down.
Scammers rely on urgency because they don’t want you to think. If a buyer is rushing you to act, that’s a big red flag.
🚨 Stick to secure payment platforms.
If someone doesn’t want to use Etsy, Venmo, or PayPal and instead sends you a random link? Nope. Run. 👎
🚨 Never share personal info outside of secure sites.
If they’re asking for your email, phone number, or payment details, be cautious. They could be phishing for more than just your money. 💲
🚨 Check for robotic or copy-paste responses.
If a buyer sounds oddly generic, or their responses don’t quite match what you’re saying, they might be running a scripted scam.
🚨 When in doubt, trust your gut.
I knew something felt off, but I was so caught up in the excitement that I almost missed it. If something feels wrong, pause and investigate.
What I Learned from This (Besides Feeling Slightly Bummed)
Look, getting scammed or almost getting scammed is part of selling online. It sucks, and it’s frustrating, but it happens to so many small business owners. The good news? I caught it in time. The bad news? It left me feeling a little deflated. But instead of staying bummed, I’m choosing to learn from it and help others avoid the same trap.
Final Thoughts: Stay Smart & Keep Selling!
If you’re a small business owner selling online, you will eventually encounter a scammer. But that doesn’t mean you have to fall for it!
- ✔️ Stay cautious.
- ✔️ Use secure platforms.
- ✔️ Trust your gut.
And most importantly—don’t let scammers steal your joy. 💖
Have you ever dealt with a scam attempt? Drop a comment and share your experience so we can all learn from each other!
📌 Shop my designs here 🛒
Until next time,
Jecca
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