In this episode of the Irene Consulting Firm podcast, I’m shedding light on an urgent issue: financial scams targeting small businesses—especially fake check scams. I start with a real story from a hair salon owner who got a call from someone claiming he needed hair styling for 10 women visiting from out of state. The price was $2,000, and he insisted on mailing a check and having her cash it quickly. Thankfully, when she went to deposit it, her banker warned her the check was fake and part of a scam. To help you understand how these scams work, I’m joined by Joe, a fraud prevention expert and trusted banker. We break down the biggest red flags—urgency, a large check from someone you don’t know, and mailed checks that are often counterfeit. Joe also explains what can happen if you deposit a fake check: your account can be frozen, you can be responsible for repaying the money, and in extreme cases it can escalate if it looks like fraud. My biggest takeaway for you is simple: pause, verify everything with your bank, never refund money until a check fully clears, and use safer payment options like Zelle, Square, Stripe, or bank transfer. Trust your instincts and protect your business.