Better Business Bureau Issues Warning for Area Businesses

The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota is warning area businesses to be aware of a potential scam involving a ‘Best of’ award for the city they’re located in. The first red flag is if you're required to pay to receive their award. The BBB warns that the award notice, received via email, directs the business owner to a website where a plaque or crystal award honoring them could be purchased for $150 and $200, respectively.

Dana Badgerow, president of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota said, “Recognition is appreciated by all business owners, but it’s important to be able to identify a real award from one conjured out of thin air. If someone came up to you on the street and told you that you’d won an award but would need to pay them cash to receive it, you’d run far away. That’s what we’re advising business owners to do in this case.”

BBB recommends the following tips to avoid a vanity award scheme:

• Check the company's BBB Business Review at bbb.org to ensure the offer is legitimate.
• Learn everything you can about the award’s origination. If it is coming from a mystery company, chances are they simply want your money.
• If you didn’t apply for an award, the award is likely not legitimate.
• Be aware that most awards don’t come with associated costs for the recipient. If there is a fee for receiving a certificate or plaque it is likely a scam.
• Ask specific questions about how your company or organization was chosen for an award and find out how many similar awards are given each year. Businesses and organizations that offer legitimate awards will be willing to provide detailed information on why a specific company received the award.
• If the announcement for the award leads to a website, do not enter any personal information on that site unless you are positive of the company’s legitimacy and the award’s validity.