The Better Business Bureau is advising business owners to use caution if they’re told they are a winner of a 2020 Best of Nixa Award by the Best of Nixa Award Program.
After being told they have been chosen as a winner, business owners are asked to pay for a trophy.
A Nixa business owner contacted BBB after receiving an email telling him that his business was a winner.
That business owner was then redirected to the Best of Nixa Awards Program website.
At the website, the store owner was able to select awards varying in price from $149 to $229.
The business owner decided not to participate in the program.
“Most legitimate awards do not come with costs to the winner,” said Stephanie Garland, BBB Springfield regional director in a press release. “If you didn’t apply for the award, or the group can’t tell you how you were nominated, the chances are that the award is not legitimate.”
The Bureau is offering the following tips to help avoid falling for this scheme or similar ones
- Research the award and the organization behind it thoroughly. Check the company’s BBB Business Profile at bbb.org or by calling 888-996-3887.
- Ask specific questions about the honor. Learn how long the award has been in existence and how your business was selected as a winner. Organizations that offer legitimate awards will be willing to provide specific details on why your company was chosen as a winner.
- Be skeptical of paying a fee. Most legitimate awards do not come with costs to the recipient. If the award requires you to pay for a certificate or plaque, it could be a scheme simply after your money.
- If you decide to pay for an award, pay by credit card, in case you need to challenge the charge.
- If you are targeted in this scheme, file a report with BBB Scam Tracker.
