How To Protect Yourself Against Scams And Snake Oil Salesmen

There are many great people supporting businesses in the government marketplace - from for-profits and non-profits to universities and government agencies. Unfortunately, there are also as many scam artists and snake oil salesmen lurking in the shadows. They want to sell you the magic pill to success but at the end of the day, take your money and leave you frustrated with the results. Here are some tips to help you save money and keep your peace of mind.

1. Before you spend your money on services, check with your PTAC counselor. We may have just what you need or will point you in the right direction.

2. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. When you see or hear things like "we guarantee a contract" or "if you would like a 5-year no-bid contract with the federal government, call us," be cautious. Snake oil salesmen are very sneaky. Even if they "get you a contract," that doesn't mean you will be awarded dollars under this contract if it's not right for you. We see this happen quite often with companies that get onto a GSA schedule and make no sales.

3. Beware of scams! If you receive an email from a government agency or visit a website that looks like an official government website, look for the .gov extension in the email address or the URL. There are plenty of impersonators out there. In fact, each year when disaster strikes, scams like "Get registered with FEMA" start popping up on the Internet. This problem is so prevalent that FEMA has established a "FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline." That number is 1-866-720-5721. Unfortunately, this is just one example of scams that can trap the unwary.  

With a little caution, due diligence, and guidance from your PTAC, you can navigate around scams and snake oil salesmen to find credible resources that will help you in your journey.