10/10/2026
🚨 WARNING TO ALL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, PRINT SHOPS & PRODUCTION COMPANIES! PLEASE READ AND SHARE! 🚨
I want to share something that happened to us at MarLoDesignCo because I would hate to see another business fall victim to what appears to be a very sophisticated scam.
We recently experienced an attempted cyberattack, and these people were GOOD at making everything look legitimate!
Here’s what happened…
We received an email from someone inquiring about custom apparel for an upcoming conference in Boston. Nothing unusual about that. It’s what we do every day!
I did my due diligence. I asked questions, requested details about the organization, the event, quantities, deadlines, and other information before agreeing to anything.
Here’s the scary part: EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT!
The conference was real. The organization was real. The information they provided was accurate. We exchanged numerous professional emails, and they answered every question I threw at them.
Eventually, they requested a Zoom meeting to discuss the project.
That’s where things took a turn.
🚩 They were VERY specific that I needed to join the meeting using a Windows-based computer.
That raised a small red flag, but after all the legitimate information and professional correspondence, I proceeded.
When I attempted to access their supposed Zoom meeting, things started getting strange.
My computer screen went BLACK, and my mouse pointer began moving WITHOUT ME TOUCHING IT!
I immediately shut down my computer.
I cannot confirm exactly what access they obtained, but I strongly suspect this was an attempt to compromise my computer.
⚠️ PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
These scammers aren’t always sending poorly written emails with obvious spelling mistakes anymore.
They are researching REAL companies, REAL conferences, and REAL events. They’re having professional conversations, answering questions, and building trust before attempting to gain access to your computer.
My advice to fellow business owners:
✅ Verify the person contacting you directly through the organization they claim to represent.
✅ Never download unfamiliar software or click suspicious meeting links.
✅ Be especially cautious if someone insists you use a specific operating system or computer.
✅ Schedule meetings through YOUR OWN trusted Zoom or Google Meet account whenever possible.
✅ Never assume someone is legitimate simply because they know details about a real event.
And remember, a legitimate Zoom meeting should not require someone to take control of your computer!
We work incredibly hard to build our businesses. The last thing any of us needs is someone trying to steal our information, access our accounts, or compromise our livelihood.
I’m sharing this because another business owner recently told me they received a similar request for a Zoom meeting.
PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FELLOW BUSINESS OWNERS. ONE WARNING COULD SAVE SOMEONE FROM A VERY EXPENSIVE MISTAKE!
Stay vigilant, everyone!
— MarLoDesignCo
