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Website Scams & Transparency: A Lesson for Small Businesses and Freelancers
Recently, one of my clients received a phone call from someone claiming to be working on their website. The problem? Neither the client nor I had any idea who this person was.
This situation is a perfect example of why small business owners and freelancers alike need to communicate clearly and stay vigilant about website management.
- If you’re a small business owner, you must know who can access your digital assets.
- If you’re a freelancer or web manager, you must educate your clients and keep them informed.
Here’s how both sides can work together to avoid confusion, scams, and unnecessary security risks.
For Small Business Owners: Stay Aware & Ask Questions
Small business owners often don’t know the ins and outs of website management, and scammers take advantage of that. Here’s what you should do:
1. Always Verify Before Giving Access
If someone calls or emails claiming to be “working on your site,” verify with your trusted web professional first. Never grant access unless you’re 100% sure who they are.
2. Keep a List of Who Has Access
Make sure you know:
✅ Who has login credentials
✅ What level of access they have (admin, editor, etc.)
✅ When they last made changes to your site
Limiting admin access to only trusted individuals reduces security risks.
I like to keep a note or Google Sheet of access for team members.
3. Be Cautious of Unsolicited Offers
Scammers often pretend to be:
- SEO experts claiming they can “rank you #1 on Google”
- Website security specialists warning of fake threats
- Developers or agencies saying they’re “currently working on your site”
If you didn’t hire them, they have no business contacting you.
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