Too Good to Be True?

Here there!  And, happy Friday!  I just wanted to share something on my heart this morning.  After some recent discussions with friends and family and seeing several related posts on social media, scammers are out in full force and you need to be hyper-vigilant.  It started with a friend getting a great offer with her small business.  I'm so thankful she asked the right questions and saw some of the red flags that made her think: "Wait, what?!"  She took to the Internet to find that the scam had been going on in other states.  It's great to find real pros to the Internet/Information Age, isn't it?  Others have been victim to identity theft and fraud by scammers posing to be companies they know and trust.  It can be an email asking to "There's a problem with your account, please update your payment information."  So many scammers are currently using "Amazon" because they realize pretty much everyone orders off Amazon.  You can't beat the free two day shipping!  

A scam can look like the Social Security office calling you (which can seem scary and alarming).  This seems to happening to a specific demographic.  It's horrible to have to go through life constantly questioning everything and everyone's intentions, but it becomes part of "leveling up" or "Survival of the fittest."  And, let's be honest, anyone who truly is on the up and up would never get offended if you ask the appropriate questions.  Anyone who has ill intent will either hang up or call you insulting names.  Never be afraid to ask questions.

Scammers (con artists) target two very effective human emotions "Fear and greed": either "you're in trouble but we're here to help you," or "you can win a bunch of money if you do this."

The main reason I wanted to write this is for my readers who are in a position of high vulnerability right now.  I'm talking about anyone who has been laid off or misplaced due to the circumstances of this year.  Please be hyper aware of the scams going on through reputable job search engines such as Indeed, Monster, Career Builder, LinkedIn, etc.  These are search engines that can be great and beneficial, but they cannot possibly be moderated to control every post and ensure it is, indeed, a legit authentic posting.  It makes me sick to think that someone would prey on others to begin with, but to prey on someone who is only trying to find a job is beyond repulsive.

If you have applied for unemployment in your state, please know the scam postings can even show up on their websites as well.  Being on a state unemployment site gives a false sense of security that all job opportunities have been run through some sort of background system and are all legit postings.  Usually, not all of these, pose as a "work from home" opportunity (which isn't at all alarming during COVID) and a lot of times you may feel lucky to have come across such posting, almost giving the feeling of "too good to be true."  Even some Part-time scams can come across as something to get you by while you search for other opportunities.  

IMPORTANT!  Just because there is a phone number and a website does not make the company legit.  Just because you're talking to a nice lady who appears to want to help you, does not ensure she is not a scammer.

What's so scary is that when you're on-boarding as a seemingly new employee, it's very normal to send a voided check (with your banking information) for direct deposits, fill out a W-2 with your social security number, address, and other information an employer usually asks for.  There was a scam going on last year that appeared to be a "work from home" position.  It invited people to receive packages to their home and inspect the sporting goods for defects and take pictures, reporting any damages (a quality control supervisor).  The goods were then repackaged and shipped on to another address.  Then the authorities would show up to your house and arrest you, because congratulations, you unknowingly became part of a criminal credit card theft ring.  The credit cards to purchase the sporting goods were stolen.  And, you served as the address where the item was sent to muddy the waters and culpabilities to the criminal.  Unbeknownst to you you actually sent the stolen goods on  to the criminal.

I don't have a family to feed.  I cannot possibly understand the pressures if you're currently in a position of literally trying to put food on the table for your family.  But, I do know that this makes you a prime target for scammers and criminals.  That's the time we get most conned, is when we are least expecting it and in a vulnerable trusting state.  Be sure to research every opportunity thoroughly.  There is a wealth of knowledge on how to do checks on businesses to see if they are truly legit job opportunities.  If anything doesn't sound right, Google what the opportunity is asking and add "and scam."  Chances are, you are not the first and not the last.

On a lighter note:

If you are currently in the job search, make sure you are exercising, eating fruits and veggies, getting plenty of sunlight, drinking lots of water, sleeping well, and most importantly surrounding yourself with positive energy (our environment and what we feed on emotionally/spiritually can make all the difference).  Looking for volunteer opportunities in your community can do a lot for your spirit and be an effective source for networking.  These simple things make such a huge impact!  You will be at the top of the mountain in no time!

Love, 
Kimmie