Wisconsin Businesses Should Avoid Vanity Awards

Saturday, August 6th, 2022 -- 11:00 AM

Trusted, hardworking businesses deserve recognition, but not the kind you have to pay for.

Vanity awards are a waste of business owners’ money and time. Here’s how to spot and avoid these phony awards. Vanity awards exist in virtually every industry and for every profession. For some, you fill out a form and pay a fee to enter the “competition.”

With others, you are simply notified that you’ve won and directed to a place where you can claim your award. These awards may sound good, but in most cases, they are simply a way to trick small business owners out of their money.

A typical vanity award scam starts with an email. For example, one small business owner reported to BBB Scam Tracker receiving this message: “Hello and I hope that you are having a great day! My name is Will and I am emailing you to let you know that you have been selected for the 2022 Houston Best Award!"

"For the next year you will be promoted on our website so anyone searching in the Houston area will find you… Here are all of the award details, and most importantly, this link where you will claim the award.”

Generally, messages like these come with strings attached. First, you must click on a suspicious link. Then, among the instructions on how to claim the award and receive your prize, is the big catch.

You need to pay a one-time fee! According to recent BBB Scam Tracker reports, these “awards” typically cost a couple hundred dollars. BBB recommends the following tips before paying to receive an award:

Research the award. Check out the company's BBB Business Profile at BBB.org to ensure that the offer is legitimate;

Ask specific questions. Learn everything you can about who is giving the award, where they are located, 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;

Know the nomination process. Find out who nominated your business for the award. If you didn't apply for it or the organization cannot tell you how you were nominated, chances are the award is not legitimate;

Check for payment requirements. Most legitimate awards do not come with costs to the recipient. If there is a fee, scrutinize it closely. If there is a fee for winning or for receiving a certificate or plaque, it could be the person or organization is simply after your money;

Be wary about clicking on links in emails from strangers. Scammers often hide malware in email links. If you click on one of these links scammers can gain access to personal information stored on your device. Double check you’re dealing with a real business before clicking on a link.

To report a vanity award scheme, visit BBB Scam Tracker.  Read more about prize and lottery scams.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.