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Crafts CouncilBusiness SkillsCraft business resources

How to avoid scams as a small craft business

Advice on how to spot scams that target small businesses with deliberately misleading sales techniques


  • Craft business
  • Resources

  • Image by Upsplash

Why do you get scammed?

If you have any publicly accessible ways of being contacted (phone, mobile, email, website address, social media), then scammers can reach you. Common scams include publishing, advertising and directory scams, unnecessary services and unsolicited good scams, advance-fee fraud, and investment scams.

It is key to understand that scammers are skilled salespeople and are acutely aware of the psychology of their targets

They often use persuasive techniques, mentioning a good cause, charity, or organisation that they are associated with and by claiming to be approved by these well known organisations, they will try to win over your trust. Familiar sales-driven techniques that we see daily in our high street shops are used to encourage a rushed decision; for example, a time or date limited offer.

Small businesses are often targeted by phone, as scammers know they are unlikely to record phone calls. It is important to be alert during these possible scam calls as the fraudsters are skilled at directing their victims toward the intended outcome. By investing time, fraudsters make the deal seem more genuine and as a result it becomes harder for the target to exit from the scam.


  • Photo by Glenn Carsten, Upsplash

How to avoid your small business being scammed

  • Avoid receiving scam calls by registering with the Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS) CTPS - please note that this will also stop legitimate marketing calls.
  • Do your own research before placing an advert. It maybe that there are better options and it is worth speaking to other makers for recommendations.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Be wary of persuasion techniques used by scammers.
  • Date and make notes of any phone conversations and make sure everything is confirmed in writing before an agreement is made. Verbal contracts are binding and although consumers can contest misled into an agreement it is hard to gather evidence and so it is much easier to avoid making the verbal contract in the first place. A reputable company will be happy to put it in writing for you.
  • Keep to date with the latest scams and talk to makers and other small business for more specialised scams in the arts.
  • If you suspect is a scam or want further information, contact Action Fraud Action Fraud
  • If it sounds too good to be true, then it normally is.
  • If you did not ask for the service then question why are they contacting you?
  • Tip for email scams: if you receive an email you are not sure about, copy the email address and then paste it into a new email – is it the same?

Do not make any rushed decisions and make sure you read all of the small print before signing anything.

For further support from Crafts Council email makerdev@craftscouncil.org.uk

Links to associated resources:

  • Running a crowdfunding campaign with Heather Corcoran from Kickstarter (aired on 27th May)
  • Search Engine Optimization with Toyin Laketu (aired 24th June)
  • Legal factors for your business with Briffa legal (aired 8th July)
  • Visibility vs Invisibility on Social Media with Karen Patel and Arati Devasher (aired 22nd July)
  • How to work with retailers with Reiko Kaneko (aired 5th August)

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