Directory Scams Hurt Local Businesses

Directory scams have been around for as long as the phone book, and even though it’s not one of the most sophisticated methods out there it still manages to rake in thousands of illegal dollars from legitimate companies. If you’ve received a call from a representative that claims they’ll update your listing details for a fee, then you might want to think twice.

Directory Scams Hurt Local Businesses

Here’s what every company should know about business directory scams, how they can harm local businesses, and how to stay far away from scammers’ valley.

What’s a Directory Scam?

Directory scams involve contacting legitimate companies to ask them for information (and usually money) to “update their information” on a directory.

Once the scammer gets their information out of the targeted company, they may even push the request further to ask for money in the form of admin fees.

Don’t fall for it.

How Directory Scams Work

A directory scam is meant to sound like a great deal for business owners and organizations.

The scammer pushes the urgency for the listing update. If it’s not done right now, then the company might lose out on the supposed promotional value of the directory listing.

If it’s not obvious at this point in the post, the listing doesn’t exist — and the scammer wants two things from the company:

• Information
• Money

Scammers may add an extra layer to their cake by claiming they are calling from a well-established classified company or website.

Spotting Directory Scams

A directory scam should be obvious from the second you’ve picked up the phone, or see an e-mail message that presses you to fill in forms or send payments.

Legitimate advertising websites won’t press for ads, information, or updates like this. Scammers do: that’s their entire business model.

If you want to list on legitimate directories, the company contacts the directory — and not the other way around! Directories and classifieds, like the real Yellow Pages, has their listing information displayed on their website for everyone to see (and have no need to contact any company via phone or email).

The Modern Directory Scam

Directory scams are as old as the phone book, but the scam has been given a new look — and it’s still popular in the days of the internet. Companies are eager to promote themselves, and a business usually doesn’t want to look out of date or like they’re failing to keep up in their industry.

Modern directory scams use the same, basic scheme — although directories seem fancier, and scammers are getting smarter.

The more modern form of directory scam uses the promise of a contract (or upgraded listing) to coax money and sensitive information out of companies.

How to Avoid Directory Scams

If you suspect a scam, stop the conversation immediately. Legitimate directories won’t call companies or brands first for listings, and a directory that you’ve never listed on in the first place will not contact you for an update.

Verify all claims with the official company that correspondence claims to be from. Usually, companies are happy to tell you whether or not an email or phone call really comes from them.

One more way to avoid directory scams is to make sure that your information is always up to date on the most important listing websites out there. This way, scammers are less likely to target you for listing scams in the first place.

Education: The Enemy of Scams

It’s easy to get rid of a scam if you can just put the phone down and use your own common sense, but it becomes harder to control if you represent a larger company.

Make sure that everyone in the company is aware of directory scams and the potential danger they may pose. If you’re near a computer or phone connected to the business, you should be aware of scams — and if you aren’t, then your superiors haven’t trained you to expect today’s updated scams.

Reporting SEO Scams and Directory Fraud

If you or your company have been targeted by directory scams, it’s important to report these fraudulent activities to protect other business owners from falling victim. Here are some key steps you can take:

1. Report to the Business Bureau – If the scammer claims to be from a reputable organization, check with the Business Bureau to verify their legitimacy. If they are fraudulent, file a complaint.
2. Use Google’s Reporting Tools – If scammers are misusing Google Business Profile, misleading businesses in search results, or engaging in deceptive SEO tactics, report them to Google through their support pages.
3. Contact Local Authorities – Some directory scams operate under fraudulent business practices that may be illegal. Reporting to local consumer protection agencies or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can help shut down these operations.
4. Warn Others in Your Industry – Share your experience in business networks, forums, and social media groups to help spread awareness and prevent other companies from becoming victims.
5. Monitor Your Online Presence – Regularly check your Google Analytics and SEO rankings to ensure your ranking factors are not being manipulated by unethical tactics.

By taking these proactive steps, you can protect your business and contribute to a safer online environment for all business owners.

A Message from Omaha Magazine

We want to alert all of our Best of Omaha contest campaign managers to a specific scam that has recently been received by a number of Best of Omaha businesses. This scam offers participants the chance to be included in “The Best of Omaha Directory,” where only one business is listed per category for the cost of $99 for one year. This scammer, and others like them, are running their schemes all over the country in “Best of” contests in many other cities. The website for this scam is thebestbusinesses.org, which is one of the red flags that this isn’t the legitimate Best of Omaha contest. Please be aware of this scam and don’t fall prey to it.

In the case of this imposter, and others like them (most are from out-of-town), we have our attorneys take immediate action by sending a cease-and-desist letter and we take any necessary follow-up action. If you receive any Best of Omaha correspondence–direct mail or email–that seems questionable or illegitimate, please forward that correspondence to me at dave@omahapublications.com and we will immediately investigate it on your behalf.

With 31 years of voting, over 220,000 verified individual emails, and proprietary software to catch attempts at ballot stuffing and cheating, you can rest assured that winning the Best of Omaha contest truly means something special.

Thank you for your vigilance and support.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/250583649141200/posts/1130462004486689

Omaha SEO Company | Providing the BEST SEO Services in Omaha

We are a premier internet digital marketing company providing:

• Omaha Search Engine Optimization SEO services
• Online presence
• Website Design
• Local SEO Strategy
• Email Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Marketing Campaigns
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• And More

Our marketing services goal is to continually over-deliver to each and every client we work with. We are a team of SEO experts, web design wizards, social media masterminds, and online reputation management specialists. With over 10 years of experience, we have developed a system that ensures the success of our clients with our products and services.

Our SEO agency is here to ensure your website is ranking high. Our goal is the top position. Exactly where the best most qualified traffic is. Give us a call for your FREE Consultation.