THWARTING THE SCAMMER: TIPS FROM A COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Much of my blog content is focused on green living. However, if you have read my profile, I have a background in Marketing, communications and media, and feel compelled to share some of this knowledge.

Just yesterday I was solicited by a scammer and uncovered him. Upon reflection of this incident, it occurred to me that I’ve thwarted many scams throughout my life, and want to share some practical tips when it comes to identifying scams and avoiding them.

SCAM SCHEME: THE NEED TO BELONG

Many scams feed on basic human needs. One of those needs is the need to belong.

Years ago, I was approached by a woman at church. She invited me to be her guest at a “secret society of women” who “make money together.” She made it sound like a business network, so I agreed to meet her at this party.

Upon arrival, I was given a green name tag. The other women had blue name tags. There were about 100 ladies there popping champagne and partying. I was given a glass of champagne. Now, I can drink my share of liquor, however, after a few sips of this champagne I noticed I was feeling heavily buzzed. Not normal for me.

The woman who invited me began introducing me to other members of this group.

Red Flag #1: I was being asked about my personal life.

Do you have a child? What is her name? Where do I live? Am I married?

I thought to myself why are these people so interested in my personal life?

Red Flag #2: No one was talking about their profession or business.

The banter was laced with mentions of lavish parties, cruises, and island getaways. Hummm…

That being said, you can bet if they knew I was a media and communications professional, they would have shown me the door right away. But, NO ONE ASKED!

About an hour into the festivities, all those with green name tags were rounded up and ordered to sit together for the “Presentation.” We were seated in front of who appeared to be the Ring Leader of this “Club”.

The leader first called up one of the members and handed her $5,000.00 cash. “See everyone! Cash, yes, all cash! Tax free cash! Enjoy your dessert!”

Everyone applauded, and the woman who was awarded the cash sat down.

Then another member got up to address the group. She said this is a secret society and “not even my husband knows I’m involved! It’s a secret!”

(It’s a secret because her husband would hit the roof if he knew what she was involved with!)

The ring leader then took center stage and went on to very confusingly explain what was a simple pyramid scheme using analogies based on food…again…another basic human need. Appetizers, entrées, desserts, setting the table…my head was spinning in more ways than one, but here is the simple scheme broken down:

1. Give the ring leader $5,000.00 to become a member of their “Secret Society” and attend their monthly parties

2. Procure 5 more members, each of which also pay the ring leader $5,0000.00

3. Once you successfully procure 5 additional members, the ring leader refunds your $5,000.00 investment.

In simple terms, I have to work my butt off recruiting members for HER, so I can get my money back? So, for every $25,000.00 you bring to HER, she kicks you back $5,000.00.

In my world of business, that’s called sales commission, or, in this case, at least for the first $25,000 you procure, it’s called 0% return.

One sentence I uttered brought the whole thing crashing down:

“So, the $5,000.00 I earn is actually recruitment commission?”

The Entire room gasped in horror.

The ring leader pointed at me and screamed “WE DON’T USE THOSE BUSINESS TERMS AROUND HERE!”

Everyone, even the leader, lost their composure.

Their goal here was to confuse new victims and make them fear looking stupid because they don’t understand the proposition. Remember, I am specially trained in communications and am very difficult to confuse.

PROTECTING YOURSELF:

· USE LOGIC: If you don’t understand it, it makes no sense. How is giving someone $5,000 in order to work to procure them an additional $25,000 only to get your $5,000 back make any sense? It doesn’t!

· LOSE YOUR PRIDE: Pride is another human characteristic that scammers depend on. Don’t be afraid to seem stupid if you don’t understand a proposition. I like saying “I’m an idiot, I don’t understand this process, and can you please explain it to me in more simple terms?” That’s where the fun begins because they can’t! Watch them dig an even deeper hole.

· BE WARY OF STRANGERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE: This is how many scammers find their way into you “Heart” and try to discover your values and weaknesses so they can use them to manipulate you.

Needless to say, I told the woman who tried to recruit me that I don’t pay to work but thank you for the invitation.

SCAM SCHEME: FEEDING ON DREAMS

I’ve done a large share of voiceover work, acting, and modeling throughout my career, I am also currently a professional Belly Dancer with a booking agent. Therefore, I have quite a bit of knowledge when it comes to working in show business (Yes, I’ve led an illustrious life).

Recently I’ve been sending out applications and emails trying to find freelance voiceover work.

Yesterday, I got a call from a man named Barry at a company called Hollywood Auditions.

He left me a voicemail and I called him back. When I got him on the phone, all he had to say was “what’s up? What are you doing?”

What’s up? You called me Bozo!

Red Flag #1: He was not prepared to talk business

So, I initiated the business talk. He told me that Hollywood Auditions is the largest casting company on the planet, and they cast for big-name films and shows (he was dropping titles, not actual studios or production companies). Hollywood Auditions is unique because they take no commissions from their talent! Just pay $387.00 for a three year contract, and they’ll let me know where the auditions are.

I told him that I don’t pay to work. I then explained that in the world of showbiz as I know it, every talent agent collects a fee or commission for any work the actor, dancer, or model is hired for.

Red Flag #2: He’s asking me to pay to work!

I explained to HIM that he would make a lot more than $387.00 over a 3 year period if he would just take 10% commission for any work I was hired for.

He said “I can’t do that, that’s not how our company works”

I then asked him how they make money off of their talent, and what he said BURIED him:

“We make our money off of our sponsors, so we want to be nice and give people a chance to break into show business”

There are some big problems with this answer:

1. The words “Show business” and “Nice” NEVER, EVER belong in the same sentence. Ever. That’s just not the reality of the industry. Period.

2. If someone WANTS to make less money for YOUR advantage, something is terribly wrong.

3. In business, no one cares about you. Business is business and business is about one thing only: MONEY. It is not a love relationship or a charity.

I kindly let Barry know that if he could not take a commission from the work I am hired for, I cannot be involved with his company, have a nice day!

In this case, Barry was using dreams to suck victims into his scam. $387.00 can make you a star? I don’t think so.

PROTECTING YOURSELF:

· BEWARE OF STRANGERS WHO WANT TO HELP: If they don’t know you from Adam, what is their motive?

· THEY’LL TAKE A FINANCIAL” HIT” FOR YOUR SAKE: This does not occur in legit business unless someone is making good on a bad deal.

· THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO BREAK INTO SHOWBIZ: HARD WORK! It’s a lot of work for a little pay for a long time before you start really making a living at it. I’m sure Lady Gaga can attest to that!

It’s a jungle out there, the more you know about how scammers think, what to look out for, and apply simple logic, the better protected you will be!