The Top Website Scams Targeting Small Businesses in Nevada

How the Scam Works:

1. Scammer calls claiming to be from Google or a Google partner
2. States your Google listing is "suspended" or "needs verification"
3. Offers to "fix" the problem for a fee ($200-$500)
4. Requests credit card information or remote computer access
5. May create a fake Google My Business listing they control

Red Flags:

• Unsolicited calls: Google doesn't call businesses randomly
• Urgent language: "Your listing will be deleted today"
• Payment requests: Google services are free
• Pressure tactics: "Limited time offer" or "Act now"
• Poor English: Broken grammar or heavy accents

Protection Steps:

• Hang up immediately on unsolicited Google calls
• Verify your Google My Business status directly at business.google.com
• Never give credit card information over the phone
• Report scam calls to the FTC and Nevada Attorney General

Common Fake SEO Promises:

• "Guaranteed #1 ranking on Google"
• "Submit your site to 1,000 search engines"
• "Instant SEO results in 24 hours"
• "We have a special relationship with Google"
• "$99 complete SEO package"

What They Actually Do:

• Submit to useless directory sites
• Create low-quality backlinks that hurt your ranking
• Use black-hat techniques that get you penalized
• Provide fake progress reports
• Disappear after taking your money

How to Identify Legitimate SEO:

• Transparent process: Clear explanation of methods
• Realistic timeframes: 3-6 months for significant results
• No guarantees: Honest about what SEO can achieve
• Case studies: Real examples with measurable results
• Analytics access: Regular reporting with data access

How the Scam Works:

1. Advertise "$299 complete website redesign"
2. Collect payment and basic information
3. Deliver a template-based site with stock photos
4. Charge extra for "premium features" like contact forms
5. Hold your website hostage for additional payments

Warning Signs:

• Extremely low prices: Quality websites cost $2,000-$10,000+
• No portfolio: Can't show previous work
• Pressure to pay upfront: Legitimate developers work in phases
• No contract: Professional developers use detailed contracts
• Generic templates: One-size-fits-all approach

Protection Strategies:

• Always review the developer's portfolio
• Check references from other Nevada businesses
• Never pay 100% upfront
• Ensure you own your domain and hosting
• Get everything in writing

Common Domain Scams:

• Fake renewal notices: Official-looking emails about domain expiration
• Domain hijacking: Claims someone else is trying to register your domain
• Similar domain offers: Selling you variations of your domain
• Transfer scams: Offering to "protect" your domain by transferring it

Red Flags:

• Urgent language about domain expiration
• Requests to transfer domain to their registrar
• Extremely high renewal fees ($200+ for .com domains)
• Emails from unknown domain registrars
• Threats about losing your domain

Protection Tips:

• Only renew domains through your current registrar
• Set up auto-renewal for important domains
• Verify expiration dates directly with your registrar
• Be wary of unsolicited domain-related emails
• Keep your domain registration information private

Common Hosting Scams:

• "Your website will be shut down today"
• "We need to migrate your site immediately"
• "Your hosting company is closing"
• "Security breach requires immediate action"
• "Free hosting transfer" with hidden costs

How to Verify:

• Contact your hosting company directly
• Check your website to see if it's actually down
• Look for official communications from your host
• Never give login credentials to unknown callers
• Verify any claims through official channels

Common Social Media Scams:

• Fake followers: Promising thousands of followers for cheap
• Bot engagement: Fake likes, comments, and shares
• Account takeover: Requesting admin access then holding accounts hostage
• Fake verification: Claiming they can get you verified badges
• Spam posting: Posting inappropriate content to your accounts

Legitimate Social Media Services Include:

• Content creation and scheduling
• Community management and engagement
• Advertising campaign management
• Analytics and reporting
• Strategy development

Email Scam Red Flags:

• "Send emails to millions for $99"
• Purchased email lists of "qualified leads"
• Guarantees of specific open rates
• No mention of CAN-SPAM compliance
• Pressure to buy immediately

Legitimate Email Marketing:

• Uses opt-in subscriber lists
• Complies with CAN-SPAM regulations
• Provides detailed analytics
• Offers list segmentation
• Includes unsubscribe options

Common Security Scams:

• "Your website has been hacked"
• "We found malware on your site"
• "Your SSL certificate is invalid"
• "Immediate security scan required"
• "Your site is blacklisted by Google"

How to Verify Security Issues:

• Use Google Search Console to check for security issues
• Run your site through online security scanners
• Check with your hosting provider
• Verify SSL certificate status independently
• Look for actual signs of compromise

Communication Red Flags:

• Unsolicited contact: Cold calls or emails
• Urgent language: "Act now or lose everything"
• Pressure tactics: "Limited time offer"
• Poor communication: Bad grammar or spelling
• Vague explanations: Can't explain technical details

Business Red Flags:

• No physical address: Only PO boxes or no address
• No local references: Can't provide Nevada client testimonials
• Unrealistic promises: Guaranteed results or instant success
• Payment demands: Require full payment upfront
• No contract: Verbal agreements only

Verification Steps:

1. Check Better Business Bureau: Look up their BBB rating
2. Google their business name: Look for reviews and complaints
3. Verify local presence: Confirm they have a Nevada office
4. Ask for references: Contact previous clients
5. Review their portfolio: See actual work examples
6. Check social media: Look for legitimate business presence

Questions to Ask Potential Providers:

• Can you provide references from other Nevada businesses?
• What is your physical business address?
• Can you explain your process in detail?
• What are realistic timelines for results?
• Do you provide detailed contracts?
• What happens if I'm not satisfied?

Immediate Actions:

1. Stop all payments: Cancel credit cards or dispute charges
2. Document everything: Save emails, contracts, and communications
3. Change passwords: Update all website and account passwords
4. Contact your bank: Report fraudulent charges
5. Secure your accounts: Review all online accounts for unauthorized access

Reporting the Scam:

• FTC: File a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Nevada Attorney General: Report to the Consumer Protection Division
• Better Business Bureau: File a complaint and review
• Google: Report fake Google-related scams
• Local police: For significant financial losses

Characteristics of Legitimate Providers:

• Local presence: Physical office in Nevada
• Transparent pricing: Clear, detailed quotes
• Portfolio of work: Real examples from local businesses
• Client testimonials: Verifiable references
• Professional contracts: Detailed terms and conditions
• Realistic timelines: Honest about what's achievable

Where to Find Reputable Providers:

• Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce: Member directory
• Henderson Chamber: Local business recommendations
• Nevada Small Business Development Center: Trusted resources
• Local business networking: Chamber of Commerce
• Verified online reviews: Google Business, Yelp
• Professional associations: Web design and marketing groups

Education and Awareness

• Train staff to recognize common scam tactics
• Stay updated on new scam trends
• Join local business groups for scam alerts
• Subscribe to FTC and BBB scam warnings

Business Policies:

• Never make decisions under pressure
• Always verify unsolicited offers
• Require written contracts for all services
• Get second opinions on expensive proposals
• Maintain relationships with trusted providers

Direct Costs:

• Money lost: $3,000-$15,000 average per incident
• Recovery costs: Hiring legitimate providers to fix damage
• Legal fees: Attempting to recover funds
• Lost productivity: Time spent dealing with scam aftermath

Indirect Costs:

• Damaged reputation: Poor website performance hurts brand
• Lost customers: Website problems drive away business
• SEO penalties: Black-hat techniques harm search rankings
• Security vulnerabilities: Compromised websites risk customer data