Protecting Your Business or Non-Profit from Phishing Scams and Suspicious Emails
Monday, July 06, 2026
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting both small businesses and non-profits through phishing emails, text messages, and other online scams. These messages are designed to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information, clicking malicious links, or authorizing fraudulent payments.
For non-profits, scammers may pose as board members, executive directors, grant organizations, or donors. For businesses, they often impersonate banks, vendors, payroll providers, or accounting software companies. In both cases, the goal is the same: gain access to money or sensitive information.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Requests for passwords, banking information, or login credentials
- Urgent messages demanding immediate action
- Unexpected invoices or payment requests
- Emails claiming a vendor's banking information has changed
- Requests for employee payroll records or tax documents
- Messages that appear to come from a board member, executive director, owner, or manager asking for a quick payment or gift card purchase
When in Doubt, Verify
Before sending money, changing payment information, or sharing sensitive data, verify the request through a trusted method. Call the individual directly using a known phone number or contact them through an established communication channel.
Never rely solely on the contact information included in the email.
A Few Simple Ways to Stay Safe
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Keep software and devices updated
- Train employees and volunteers to recognize phishing attempts
- Establish approval procedures for payments and bank account changes
The Bottom Line
Phishing scams and fraudulent emails continue to evolve, making it more important than ever for businesses and non-profits to stay vigilant. A moment spent verifying a suspicious request can help prevent financial losses, data breaches, and disruptions to your organization.
If you receive an unexpected email involving payments, banking information, payroll, donor records, or other financial matters, don't feel pressured to act immediately. Take the time to verify the request through a trusted source before responding.
Have questions about safeguarding your financial information or strengthening your bookkeeping processes? Contact J&S team today. We're here to help your business or non-profit stay secure and financially organized.
About J&S Accounting
At J&S Accounting, we provide expert bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and non-profits. We recognize the challenges that come with maintaining accurate financial records and how vital this is for the smooth operation and growth of your business. As a woman and minority-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our expertise to businesses in Savannah, GA, and across the nation, helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve better financial management.
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The team at J&S Accounting are like working with trusted friends that you have had for a long time. Janel has personally walked me through my first year with QuickBooks as a small business owner, and has made it so easy and enjoyable. She is very professional, knowledgeable, and is always so affirming of how well I am doing. She really takes her time and you can tell that she cares about her customers and wanting them to feel confident about their business finances. I could not recommend this company enough!
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J & S Accounting has made such a huge impact in our day to day operations at Kicklighter Resource Center. They are very hands on and truly take the time to educate us, whether in person or through trainings and tutorials. Their customer service and individualized care have remained top tier and we gladly recommend their services.
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Disclaimer:This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.
© 2023 J&S Accounting. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.