Will assist your business.

If you've the hyper-aware type (guilty) and have incredible instincts, regardless of how you tapped into that - can be used to try to steer away from scams and begin to instantly recognize a scammer. Does this make any sense?

I say this, because I'm reading these forums and some questions that seem obviously fake to me, others are sincerely stuck on if it's a real opp for them or not.

I guess you should feel lucky, I lost this naivety at the ripe age of 20, and applying some of the lessons I've had to learn I feel my instincts are incredible. I am scared sometimes looking back - it almost seems super natural (don't worry, not going there - don't believe in it anyway).

I wonder if women with much more experience than I, would be offended by receiving reply's to their questions regarding the detection of a scam job?

The most basic principle that kept coming to my mind when women are asking about these TGTBT offers (too good to be true) is how many times it took me saying, "if it seems to be tgtbt then it most likely is!" to finally stop falling for it. LOL

I really would love to give some tips on some of these threads, but would you take advice from a young fresh newbie, without her having to get into what makes her so 'street smart'. I mean, I really just want to help! I was pray so many times to 'scams' and you just sorta pick up on things and behaviors.

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker is an off topic but GREAT example of how to develop your street smarts as a woman, and actually analyze the whole situation so you know exactly how to avoid it or pick up on it next time.

I can't wait to see if anyone else posts that they've read it. Then I won't sound so preachy, because all the women I've shared it with, were just as excited to share it with others as I am

(i'm now speaking in general, I'm not saying that you guys cannot also spot a scam lol)

Bailey,

I would like to address your quote

Quote:

I say this, because I'm reading these forums and some questions that seem obviously fake to me, others are sincerely stuck on if it's a real opp for them or not.

Some people are in situations where finances are tight and they want to hold out hope of opportunities out there. It is not that they are not street smart but are blinded by the fact that they have become a victim of the economy and need an answer yesterday. Some scams are glaringly obvious but others not so much. I would rather them post the question here to confirm their suspicions then to fall into the trap of being taken.

I am blessed to be book and street smart, my parents get all the credit for that. My daughter on the the other hand is so ridiculously book smart and some times the questions she asks me make me take pause. What seems common sense to me just are not to her, but I would rather have her ask me to confirm her suspicions then feel too embarrassed to come to me.

The same is true for any member of this forum. When in doubt we are here for you. Sometimes it just takes someone to say, "if it is too good to be true", to confirm your suspicions.

As for you addressing these questions as a newbie, why not. If you have something to contribute then have at it, as long as you are respectful I do not think anyone is going to mind. There are times that newbies on the forum contribute and us "old dogs" love the fresh view and perspective.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Thanks for your response Lee.

I am sorry that I came off as if I was trying to discourage postings in this forum. I was just providing you all with a link that can help in determining whether or not something's a scam. However just bc they are not on that site, doesn't mean they're legit.

Something else I was taught, is to do a search of the business, email and # and see if they were created recently. If so, it's probably a red flag.

I understand what you both mean on both parts, the keen eye and the not-so-keen. Unfortunately, everyone isn't as gifted (as leedrozak said - thanks to our parents) as us and just can't see a scam when it's staring right back at them.

I know alot of 'highly educated' people that fall for everyday scams whether big or small. I hope that we can all continue to share our scammed or near-scammed experiences for the sake of others. Thanks ladies!

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We just want to help take the load off. Relax...we'll take care of that! www.longdistanceassistants.com

I agree we all have to be careful because we can get so caught up in the opportunity that we fail to see the red light. Sharing what we know or have learned can only be of benefit to our fellow VAs.
@LeShantH--I love your slogan!
Wendy B.

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http://www.anofcextension.com
Office support, Database Creation and Management, Internet Research

Thanks so much, Wendy! Yes, we do have to be careful.

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We just want to help take the load off. Relax...we'll take care of that! www.longdistanceassistants.com

No matter whether you are new or not (I am too) - information can be used by one person or another. I appreciate your recommendation on the book - I will look for it on Amazon. I've been in business for 22 years - but haven't had to work with a lot of "out there" clients - mostly medical transcription and for the same clients until recently when they have started to retire - so now I am looking for other outlets and love the VA Forum and the people I am meeting here.

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Jill Alward
Administrative Expertise

Many people are preying on those who are especially feeling the effects of a struggling economy, knowing that people are desperate and perhaps aren't thinking as clearly as they might under normal circumstances. Sometimes I see posts that are quite obviously scams but that may be easy to see as we are not in that particular situation ourselves.

A friend approached me just a few days ago with one of those pyramid selling schemes she was looking into. These things always send red flags up for me but she thinks it is a legit opportunity. The only thing I told her was to check the company out thoroughly and review all information they forward with a fine tooth comb before committing to anything. Maybe it is a legitimate opportunity but then again maybe it isn't but I suppose it is best to ask somebody else's opinion if in doubt.

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Sabrina L. Williams
For a bird's eye view of your business

Unfortunately, there will always be those who succumb to scams. In sales, 100 presentations may yield 3 potential sales. If we apply the same statistical analysis to scams, given the ease of the use of technology, it is easy to see why these things persist. When it comes to online scams, we're talking millions of potential victims! I am a "dyed in the wool" skeptic of many years' duration. I trust NO ONE. That doesn't make me smarter than others or even more street-smart than others. It makes me cautious because of bad experiences in the past. Experience is the best teacher, as they say.

I am still stumped by the fact that what seems like a blatant scam to me, seems like a win-win for someone else. I don't try to figure it out, as it's not my responsibility to do so. I just do my best to protect my own interest, and if I see something that sets off those red flags, I let others know and hope that they make the right choices. It's the best that any of us can do.

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Collaborative Business Support