When Joe Schulz*, a small-business owner based in New Jersey, received a new customer order from a company based in Dubai, he felt that something may be off. It turned out his instincts were right, as his company was targeted for what turned out to be a fake check scheme that could have cost him nearly $80,000.
Schulz’s company specializes in making custom clothing and merchandise. Though he usually works with major brands, he occasionally does work with smaller companies. However, when a promotional company based in Dubai — where it’s warm year-round — placed an order for 200 custom coats, he felt that something may be off. Nevertheless, he moved forward with the order.