If your business recently received an email from someone claiming to be with the “WCBRB Worldwide Certified Business Review Board,” congratulating you on being selected as one of the "Best Businesses in America 2025," be cautious—it’s a scam.

Here’s why this message is not a legitimate award or recognition, but a cleverly disguised attempt to lure businesses into paying for a fake endorsement.

Red Flags in the Email

Let’s take a closer look at the email and break down why it raises multiple red flags:

1. You Didn’t Apply for Anything

One of the easiest ways to identify a scam is this: Did you apply for or nominate yourself for this recognition?

Legitimate awards or certifications usually involve an application process, peer nomination, or performance-based evaluation. In this case, the email says you’ve already been selected and approved—but you never applied. That’s not how real business awards work.

2. No Independent Verification or Credibility

Search online for "WCBRB" or “Worldwide Certified Business Review Board,” and you’ll find very little credible information about the organization. There’s no transparency about:

• Who runs it

• How businesses are evaluated

• Who’s on the board

• Any past winners (besides other businesses they’ve spammed)

This is