Staying Alert: Protecting Our Community from Business Scams

Staying Alert: Protecting Our Community from Business Scams

At the Chamber, we’re proud to support a strong, trusted network of local businesses. That trust matters and it’s exactly why we’ve been paying close attention to a growing trend.

Lately, we’ve received a wave of new member applications. While many are legitimate, some raise red flags. We’ve seen multiple applications from the same company using vague names. In some cases, different businesses apply using the same phone number or website but are in completely different states and regions. These don’t always pass the eye test, and that’s by design.

National reports have uncovered large-scale scams where fake businesses use Chamber directories and websites to appear credible. Legitimate chambers never sell membership lists. These fake listings are sometimes used in identity theft schemes or to trick customers into handing over money for services that don’t exist. A recent investigation exposed thousands of fake home service companies doing just that, some even using stolen addresses or business names.

Here’s the good news: applying for Chamber membership does not give anyone automatic access to our member directory or benefits. Every application is carefully reviewed, and suspicious ones are denied. No listing is published, and no perks are granted, unless the application is approved.

We take these situations seriously to protect the integrity of our membership and the safety of our community.

If you see something that doesn’t feel right, whether it’s a questionable service, duplicate business listing, or suspicious outreach, please report it. You can contact us directly, or notify the Better Business Bureau.

When it comes to trust, we all play a part.