By Charles Bivona Jr. | Coach JP Money
In today’s digital world, even small businesses doing everything right can find themselves the target of cybercriminals.
Recently, one of our clients, a successful small business generating over $ 200,000 in annual revenue became the victim of an email spoofing scam. A fraudster impersonated the owner by spoofing their email address and started sending fake invoices to their contractors, trying to trick them into sending thousands of dollars to fraudulent accounts.
The scary part? Everything looked legitimate. The scammers used their exact name, company branding, and a near-perfect replica of their email address. Fortunately, their contractors spotted something suspicious and contacted them before any money was lost.
So, what can small businesses do to stop this kind of attack before it happens OR prevent it from happening again?
Below are real-world cybersecurity tips that every small business owner can use right now to protect their company, reputation, and clients.
1. Lock Down All Email Accounts
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- Change all passwords to strong, unique ones with at least 12 characters.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to block unauthorized logins.
- Check for suspicious forwarding rules — hackers often create hidden rules that silently send copies of messages to themselves.
- Review account sign-in activity for strange locations or devices.
2. Protect Your Domain from Spoofing
If you use a business domain (like yourcompany.com), ask your web or IT provider to set up these essential records:
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- SPF – verifies that emails are being sent from approved servers.
- DKIM – digitally signs messages so recipients can confirm authenticity.
- DMARC – tells other mail servers to reject fake messages that fail SPF or DKIM checks.
Together, these tools can stop impostors from sending emails that appear to come from you.
3. Confirm All Payment Requests
Communicate clearly with your contractors and clients. Send a short notice explaining that scammers have been sending fake invoices and that all payment requests must be verified by a phone call or text message.
A simple “confirm before you pay” rule can save thousands of dollars.
4. Update, Scan, and Secure All Devices
Make sure every computer, tablet, and phone used for business is fully updated with the latest security patches. Run a full anti-malware scan and consider professional-grade antivirus software. If employees use public Wi-Fi, require them to connect through a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt data.
5. Train Your Team and Contractors
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- Never click links or open attachments from unknown senders.
- Double-check sender addresses — scammers often change just one letter (like info@compaany.com).
- Follow a verification policy for all financial or sensitive actions.
6. Back Up Your Data Regularly
Maintain secure cloud backups (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox Business, etc.) and one offline backup (external drive). If a breach or ransomware attack ever happens, you’ll be able to restore your business quickly.
7. Get a Professional Security Review
Even small businesses benefit from a one-time cybersecurity audit. An IT security professional can identify weak points, ensure your email and website are properly configured, and provide peace of mind that your systems are safe.
⚠️ The Bottom Line
Cybercriminals don’t just target big corporations. Small businesses are prime targets because they often lack formal IT departments and assume they’re too small to matter.
Our client’s story is a wake-up call — but also a success story. By catching the scam early and taking swift action, they protected their business and relationships.
If you run a small business, take the time today to secure your systems. The cost of prevention is tiny compared to the cost of recovery.
Need Help Securing Your Business?
At Coach JP Money, we help small business owners protect their profits, systems, and peace of mind. Contact Charles Bivona Jr. for a personalized cybersecurity checkup and take control of your business safety today.
📩 media@coachjpmoney.com
Charles Bivona Jr., aka Coach JP Money, is a business strategist, financial coach, and founder of CoachJPmoney.com. A lifelong entrepreneur, he launched his first real estate deal at 17 and went debt-free by 1998. Since then, he has built national media brands, advised small businesses, and helped clients grow online using smart strategy, digital tools, and creative grit.
An expat living in Baja, Mexico, Charles also writes and produces music as Johnny Punish and lives off-grid at Hacienda Eco-Domes, a sustainable retreat he built with his wife. Through providing small business services, coaching, writing, and podcasting, he’s on a mission to help others win their future—on their terms.
Read his full bio at PunishStudios.com >>>
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