Here we go! 2022 is upon us, and I’m sure we’re all hoping for a much different year than we saw in 2020 and 2021!
Perhaps you are one of the folks who make resolutions for the coming year. (I gave that up YEARS ago! I have no willpower!) Do you want to lose weight and get a buff bod? Is your goal self-improvement? Maybe improve your brain function? Maybe you’re changing your employment prospects and are looking for work-at-home opportunities. Could you be looking for an opportunity to help people?
All these are worthy aspirations, but proceed with caution! Your desire to follow through on your resolution(s) could put you in the crosshairs to get scammed!
We can buy just about any weight loss product. Some products claim to help us lose body fat and bulk up our muscles. We can find food, nutritional supplements, exercise equipment, or computer apps.
* Check out consumer reviews
* Look up the company’s record on the Better Business Bureau.
Maybe we want to improve our memory and experience enhanced cognitive function. (You know the ads.) Not only do these products hook those who are making resolutions, they also hook those who are experiencing memory loss or their family members. People who are looking for a miracle cure for Alzheimer’s and related dementias pray for something to make it better.
COVID has had a major impact on our businesses and economy. There are “Help Wanted” signs everywhere. Some people have decided that they don’t want to be out among people, that the risk is greater than the gain. Working at home sounds like a great option. If you connect with the right company, it IS a great option but be cautious. What are the warning signs?
Check online for ‘reviews’. Are there warnings? Look them up on a search engine.
You have to pay to work. You shouldn’t have to invest money to provide a service.
The prospective employer communicates poorly. How is their written communication? Are words misspelled? Is the punctuation incorrect? Also, check out the URL. Does it look like another company’s logo or web address?
Can you get in touch with the company?
The holidays and start of a new year often bring out our generous nature. I have gotten at least two requests by snail mail a day, and several on-line requests. I’ve gotten everything from animal causes to health issues to political letters. When you are donating to a charity, make sure it’s legitimate.
Check out a charity’s record on Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or Charity Check.
Look at how much goes to Administration and how much goes to the cause.
Donate to local charities.
Talk to your local Community Foundation. Are there opportunities to donate?
Stay informed. Follow scam reports on the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker or the AARP Fraud Watch Network Scam-Tracking Map.
They are out there. Scammers will take every opportunity to separate you from your money or your personal information. They have no conscience. Scamming is a big business. Don’t let your New Year’s Resolution put you in the crosshairs to get scammed!
