How To Know Who To Trust

It feels really hard to know who to trust. During this particular climate people are becoming desperate. And, as well all know the saying, “desperate times call for desperate measures.” I think we can all agree: there are so many scams out there right now!

• Contact tracing scams

• IRS scams

• Utility bill scams

• Social media scams

You name it, they’re out there! So, I want to make sure that you are absolutely 100% ON.YOUR.GUARD.***

Here are a few thoughts, pieces of advice, I have when thinking in terms of who can I trust.

1) Vet your source

Lets’s say you are about to hire someone to help in your business. Find a reliable source in your life who can vouch for the person you are about to hire, perhaps they were even referred by your source. Before you dive in, first ask: Who is it that you trust? Who is it that your friends trust? In order to know for our own peace of mind if the person you are about to hire is actually someone you want to do business with, ensure that your source (who is providing the information) has the credentials to provide such information. Ensure others see them as a trusted individual as well, especially if you do not know them personally. Check resumes. Check references. This is your very first step.

2) Do your research

Next, make sure to do your own research. Scour the internet to see if you find the information that will substantiate the credentials of the one you are about to hire. If a trusted friend (your reliable source) recommended this person, make sure to ask as many questions as you can to your trusted individual first before signing any contracts. Make sure your research is consistent with your source’s information (the individual that you are listening to). Ensure the information you are researching lines up with your trusted individual.

3) Do a trial period

When I am discussing with a potential client about the idea of signing them up for my services, and I sense there is hesitation I give them the option to try me out for 3 months and then figuring out what will work for the both of us. Especially during these times when it’s hard to physically see the person and all their non-verbals that could be involved in a conversation. I think being open to a trial period is something we are all being more and more flexible about.

***If you find that you have been scammed, I would make sure that you do as much as you can to report the scam. Call the local police station and file a police report. If the scam involved any of your personal financial information you can put a hold on your credit for a year to ensure that no one uses your information, including your social security number. This point is actually going to help you out if you also have a spending problem - hey, I’m just here to help! :-)

What would you add to this? Have you come across a situation where someone tried to scam you? What did you do?