Today we have a quick but hopefully impactful episode to help you avoid a common (and expensive) scam in the organizing industry.
Show Notes: The Moving Scam Alert
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[01:07] The Scam Overview
- Description of the scam email that's been circulating in the organizing industry.
- Melissa shares her personal experience receiving these emails.
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[01:44] Anatomy of the Scam Email
- Red flags in the email's language and structure.
- Overly formal or stilted English, mention of "aesthetic pleasure," and unnecessary state names.
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[03:19] The Emotional Manipulation
- Scammers claim to be deaf or hearing impaired to avoid phone calls and elicit sympathy.
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[04:26] The Financial Trap
- The scam involves sending a fraudulent certified check and asking the organizer to pay "movers" or other service providers.
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[05:28] How the Scam Works
- Explanation of how the organizer ends up losing money after the check bounces.
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[05:41] Increasing Sophistication
- Scammers are getting more advanced, using real addresses and names found online.
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[06:13] Advice: Ignore and Delete
- Melissa urges listeners to ignore suspicious emails and not feel obligated to respond.
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[07:07] Trust Your Gut
- Importance of listening to your instincts, even if it means missing out on a potential client.
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[08:17] Real-Life Example
- Melissa shares a story about following her gut during a consultation that felt "off."
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[08:53] Don't Feel Guilty
- It's okay to delete and forget about suspicious inquiries, even if it feels rude.
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[09:25] Business Best Practices
- Never pay service providers for new clients; only consider it for long-term, trusted clients.
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[09:59] No Shame in Falling for Scams
- Reassurance for anyone who has been scammed—smart people can fall victim too.
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[10:35] Final Reminders
- Trust your gut, say no when needed, and don't let scammers win.
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[10:24] Outro
- Teaser for the next episode and a final message to stay vigilant.