In the News: Scammers Using AI to Target Small Business Owners

In this week’s episode of Small Business Fraud, our panel of experts discusses the impact of fraudsters using artificial intelligence, specifically how it affects small business owners.
A new survey from Nationwide has highlighted how fraudsters are now using AI to scam small business owners. Our panel talks about the inevitability of this trend and how to avoid being duped by this next generation.
New panelist Shashi Bellamkonda talks about the unique response he uses to fight these scammers.
See what that is and what our other panel thinks in the latest episode of Small Business Breakthrough:
And don’t forget to check out the rest of this week’s headlines in our roundup of small business news…
Michigan Businesses Encouraged to Apply for State Workforce Training Grant Fund
Small businesses in some parts of Michigan have the opportunity for financial aid to help them get training for their employees. Michigan Works! West Central is now accepting applications for its Going PRO Talent Fund, which gives local businesses the opportunity to reimburse staff training costs.
Nationwide Survey Reveals One-Quarter of Small Business Owners Targeted by AI-Driven Scams
A recent survey from Nationwide found that one-quarter of small business owners (SBOs) in the US have been targeted by AI-driven scams in the past year. These scams, which often use artificial intelligence in email, voice, or video impersonations of high-level employees, have left many small businesses vulnerable to fraud.
GoDaddy Survey Reveals Consumers Prioritize Savings Over Convenience
A recent GoDaddy survey of 1,500 US consumers shed light on how much consumers value cost savings over convenience, with 80% of respondents indicating that saving money is more important than convenience.
Iowa City Launches Local Small Business Development Grant Program
Iowa City has announced a new grant program, the Targeted Small Business Development Grant Program, designed to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. The program provides up to $5,000 in cash, business coaching, and technical assistance to help business owners overcome growth challenges, according to the Corridor Business Journal.
The SBA will host the 11th Annual Small Business Veterans Week Nov. 11-15
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that it will host the 11th National Small Business Week (NVSBW) from November 11-15, 2024. to honor and support veteran small businesses.
Are You Deliberately Retiring From Your Business Or Just Holding On?
As I approach retirement, I ask myself this same question all the time. Can I retire on purpose or should I just hold back? On The Small Business Radio Show this week, I talked about this with Zachary Larsen, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and founding partner of Intentgen Financial Partners.
Canva Unveils New Tools, APIs, and Premium Apps
Canva announced new tools, APIs, and the launch of the Premium Apps program at the Canva Extend event. These updates are designed to empower developers and expand the possibilities of building on the Canva platform.
New Regular Contact Survey Reveals Inflation Worries Ahead of 2024 Holiday Season for Small Businesses
Constant Contact recently released its latest Small Business Now report, which reveals that 89 percent of small businesses worldwide have felt the impact of inflation as they prepare for the critical holiday sales season.
Pinterest Introduces New Collage Remixing and Sharing Features
Pinterest is unveiling two new features for its popular collage tool: collage recombination and collage sharing. These updates enhance the creative power of Pinterest’s more than half a billion users worldwide, making it easier to collaborate and share their collages on various platforms.
TikTok Launches Flip Stories, Adds a New Layer of Surprise to Storytelling
TikTok is expanding its creative toolbox for creators with the launch of Flip Stories, a new feature that allows creators to add a second side to their stories, unlocked with a simple flip.
Lab Owner Pleads Guilty in $14M COVID-19 Fraud Scheme
An Illinois man has pleaded guilty to his involvement in a fraudulent COVID-19 testing scheme, according to the Department of Justice. Zishan Alvi, 45, of Inverness, Illinois, owned and operated a laboratory in Chicago that conducted tests for COVID-19.
Fiverr Survey Reveals Persistent AI Concerns Among Marketing Executives
Fiverr recently released the second Marketing Executives Report from Fiverr Pro, revealing that marketing leaders in the US continue to express concern about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their industry.
Meta Unveils Meta Quest 3S, an Affordable Mixed Reality Headset
Meta has launched its latest mixed reality headset, the Meta Quest 3S, which offers the same advanced capabilities and functionality as the Meta Quest 3, but at a lower price. Priced at $299.99 USD, the Meta Quest 3S is designed for those new to mixed reality or looking for a budget-friendly upgrade from previous models like the Quest and Quest 2.
John Deere Recalls Combine Tractors Due to Crash Risk
John Deere has announced that approximately 147,900 used tractors are recalled in the United States and an additional 16,800 in Canada due to a crash hazard. The recall affects John Deere 1023E, 1025R, and 2025R Compact Utility Tractors.
IRS Introduces New Process to Help Paying Companies and Third-Party Payers Process Employee Retention Credit Claims
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a new filing process designed to assist third party payers (TPPs) and their clients in resolving incorrect Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims.
Meta Unveils Orion: Its First Virtual Reality Glasses
Meta has officially launched Orion, the company’s first true augmented reality (AR) glasses, previously known under the codename Project Nazare. Meta describes Orion as the most advanced AR glasses ever made, designed to seamlessly integrate the virtual and digital worlds.