Navigating the Digital World Safely with Booksy: Your Guide to Scam Awareness

In the fast-paced digital era, the ability to connect with clients globally and streamline business operations is unparalleled. Yet, this digital frontier also presents a new set of challenges, especially in safeguarding your business against cyber threats. 

At Booksy, your safety and success are our top priorities. We're more than just your go-to booking and business management system; we're your partners in ensuring a secure business environment. To empower you, we've curated essential tips for avoiding scams while operating a business with an online presence.

Recognizing Scams: Stay Informed, Stay Secure

Be Cautious of Offers to Promote your Business Online

Scammers' tactics:

• Posing as Booksy or marketplace representatives.
• Soliciting credit card information or sensitive data.
• Asking for upfront payments ($29-$49) to “promote your business on Google” or other search engines.
• Promising higher-ranked listings on the Booksy marketplace or other directories.

Your defense strategy:

• Recognize: Booksy reps will never solicit direct payments for promotions.
• Use Booksy's Boost: Safely promote your profile through the Booksy Boost feature from within your app.
• Report: Suspicious activities? Cease communication and contact us via official channels.

Guard Against Unsolicited Subscription Offers and Training Grants

Scammers' Tactics:

• Offering discounted annual Booksy subscriptions if you provide credit card information.
• Offering "training grants" in exchange for sensitive data.
• Claiming issues with your subscription to solicit payment details.

Your Defense Strategy:

• Know: Booksy won't ask for your payment details anywhere other than the subscription portal within your account.
• Access Training: Utilize Booksy's library for self-paced learning—no extra charges.

Verify Requests to "Confirm your Business Details" 

Scammers' Tactics:

• Calling or texting, claiming to need verification of your business or payment methods.
• Claiming that your account will be blocked unless you provide personal information.

Your Defense Strategy:

• Alert: Booksy verification does not require sharing credit card details and would only come to you through official channels.
• Protect: Never share sensitive information without verifying the source.

Beware of Group Booking Scams

Scammers' Tactics:

• Reaching out to request bookings for large groups (between 5-20 people) 
• Requesting services that you may or may not offer at your business, such as group wedding services or group modeling shoot services
• Asking for your payment details to pay for expenses such as group transportation to their appointment.
• Sending fake checks to establish credibility.

Your Defense Strategy:

• Verify: Treat large group booking queries with caution; real clients pay you.
• No Transfers: Never pay transportation costs for potential bookings.

Quick Tips for Booksy Users

Public Phone Numbers: Be aware of any phone number that is publicly listed on your Booksy profile or other online profiles, as this is visible to anyone. You can make this information private on Booksy and visible only to clients in your settings.

Contact Booksy Immediately: Encounter something suspicious?  When in doubt, end the conversation and contact Booksy directly through our official channels like Chat, Email, or Phone. You can find all official contact details in your Help Center. 

Building a Secure Future Together

Your vigilance and these precautions fortify our community against cyber threats, ensuring a safe, productive environment for your business to flourish. Remember, at Booksy, we're more than just a platform; we're a community committed to your growth and security.

Embrace the digital age with confidence, knowing Booksy is by your side every click of the way.