Tips to Protect Your Business from Fraudulent Advertising Companies

A number of advertising companies are competing for your business. While many of these companies are truly out to help you gain exposure for your Lake of the Ozarks business, there are some who are after a quick dollar. You've worked hard to establish your business and it's important to protect it (and yourself) from falling victim to this type of fraudulent advertising. The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has featured a few tips to help prevent your business from becoming a target of this type of business.

Research The Business

If you've encountered an advertising agency that you've never heard of before, it's advised to research the company thoroughly before doing business together. A legitimate business should be easily found online through a Google search. You can also look into their Facebook page and see what kind of activity they have. If there are reviews available, be sure to check these out. It can also be helpful to look the business up on LinkedIn. Before dealing with an unknown advertising business, do a little research on the company to protect yourself.

Verify Status with the Better Business Bureau

If you are questioning the legitimacy of a business, contact the Better Business Bureau. Their purpose is to promote trust in the marketplace. Essentially they evaluate businesses and rate them based on a number of factors. Contacting the BBB can help give you a good idea of the business' history and how they've dealt with previous customers.

Ask for References (and actually, call them!)

As you meet with a business about your advertising, consider asking the representative for references. Once you have this information, don't forget to follow through and contact them. The biggest mistake many business owners make is that they fail to call references, they just assume they are legitimate if they have references on hand.

Read the Fine Print Carefully


When dealing with any business contract, be sure to read through it completely. Even if you have to get out a magnifying glass, don't skip the fine print! This is typically where any exceptions to services offered can be found with a fraudulent advertising company. If you are unsure about a contract, consider having your business lawyer take a look to ensure you don't sign something you do not intend to agree to.


Trust Your Gut Instinct

Especially when it comes to your business, trust your instincts. If something doesn't seem right with a business deal, there's a big possibility that it isn't. This weird feeling is your instincts trying to throw up a red flag about this business deal. If you get an "off" gut feeling, reference the tips above to double check the legitimacy of an advertising business.

 Protect what you've worked so hard to create by avoiding business with one of the fly-by-night advertising companies that are making their way through mid-Missouri. If you do your research and give your due diligence, you can rest easier at night knowing you made the right decision for your business at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our Lake Area Chamber is here for local businesses and we want to help keep you informed about business dealings that are taking place around the area. Don't forget to go with your gut instinct, at the end of the day.


Contact Your Lake Area Chamber Of Commerce!


Lake Area Chamber Of Commerce                           Like us on Facebook
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Location: Lake Ozark, MO 65049, USA

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