How Scammers Can Exploit Your Company’s Name

June 23, 2025

Teylor Feliz

Having a website for your business (or even for personal branding) offers numerous advantages. It allows you to connect with customers, share updates on new products and services, and demonstrate your industry expertise. Another important reason to have a website is to prevent scammers from using your business name to deceive victims. Also, those victims were supposed to be your potential customers, which means that you are losing money as well.

Recently, there has been an alarming trend where scammers target businesses that have recently closed or those lacking a website. They exploit the information of these companies to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Let me give you an example. Let’s say that ACME Corp. is a business that has been selling trucks for more than 30 years. However, they have been successful in their area even without having a website, so they don’t think they need one. Without a website, ACME Corp. risks being targeted by scammers who could create a fake site with false contact details. When people search for a service or product related to ACME Corp, a misleading website appears. When people check Google Maps to verify the company’s address, they will find it accurate. The only difference is the phone number and email address, but most people probably won’t notice.

Scammers are exploiting recently expired domain names of closed businesses, allowing them to operate with impunity and deceive unsuspecting victims. When people search for the business on Google Maps, they see images of the old location and no indication that it is permanently closed. This tactic creates significant confusion, enabling fraudulent activities to thrive.

If ACME Corp is supposed to be selling trucks, the scammers will try to convince you to pay for delivery. The vehicle will never arrive because the company either doesn’t exist or is unaware of the scammers. If someone wants to visit the facilities, the scammer will quickly say that they are closed or working from home that day.

FAQ: Protecting Your Business Online

What is a “brochure website,” and why is it important?

A brochure website is a simple, informative website that typically includes your company’s mission, services, contact information, and perhaps a few testimonials. It acts as an official online presence, providing legitimate information and preventing scammers from creating fake sites in your name.

How do scammers obtain my business information?

Scammers often gather information from public records, business directories, social media, and even outdated Google Maps listings. They target businesses without a strong online presence because it’s easier to create a deceptive imitation.

What should I do if I find a fake website using my business name?

Immediately report the fraudulent website to the hosting provider (often found in the website’s footer or via a WHOIS lookup), Google (if it appears in search results), and relevant law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

How long should I keep my domain name active after closing my business?

It’s highly recommended to maintain your domain name for at least two to three years after officially closing your business. This prevents scammers from acquiring it and using it for fraudulent activities, and it allows search engines like Google to update their records.

Does having a website guarantee my business won’t be targeted by scammers?

While a website significantly reduces your risk, no single measure can offer 100% protection. However, a strong official online presence makes it much harder for scammers to succeed and provides you with a platform to counter any misinformation quickly.

Can scammers use my business name on social media?

Yes, scammers can create fake social media profiles or pages using your business name and logo. It’s important to monitor social media platforms for unauthorized accounts and report them promptly.

Conclusion

Every business needs a brochure website to inform potential customers and protect against scammers. If you plan to close your business, it’s a good idea to announce the closure and renew your domain name for an extra two to three years. This measure stops scammers from quickly taking over expired domains and allows Google Maps to update its system for more accurate online information. Lastly, if you have to close operations, make an announcement in your website and social media so people are informed.

Teylor Feliz

Teylor Feliz is a seasoned Full-Stack Engineer and UX Designer with over two decades of experience in the information technology sector. His extensive practical knowledge is backed by advanced degrees, including a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Web Design and Web Development, and an MBA with a concentration in Information Systems. He is the founder of Haketi, a web design and development company, where he serves as the Director of UX Design and Development. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Feliz has established himself as a prominent figure in the Lafayette, Louisiana tech community. His expertise has been sought by major brands such as AON, Burger King, and Chrysler for website design. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, he is a dedicated educator, teaching UX Design and Web/Software Development courses at the university level. Feliz is also a certified Scrum Product Owner and holds several certifications in Product Management, Business, and Data Analysis. He shares his knowledge and insights through his writing on the technology and business blog, Admix Web.