ALWAYS Check The Return Address!
Over the years we’ve talked about Nigerian princes, fake domain registrars, and phony peddlers of board seats.
But what about when friends need a favor?
Consider this recent email string from the publisher of the Coast News, for whom I write the Ask Mr. Marketing column. He asked to handle a discreet matter for him. Chris is a good guy, and I was only too happy to help.
He told me “I want to surprise some of our diligent staff with gift cards. You will keep one for yourself too. Can you get this done? And how soon?”
Telling him I thought it a nice idea, I inquired about merchants and values wanted. The responses over the next two hours were a big red flag, with increasingly strident demands for action and a response.
“I need you to get six Apple Gift cards for $100 each. Scratch the back and take clear pictures of each card and send it to me on this mail so I can share them to each selected staffer on the team. Use your personal funds; you’ll be reimbursed later.”
Naturally, the notes were not coming from his typical email address. I wrote to his regular address and asked if this was really him.
It wasn’t.
Now recognizing I was dealing with a scammer, I casually asked for the name of a restaurant we’d eaten at together. The response I got was snippy, and very out of character for Chris.
And as my correspondent continued pushing me, I asked why it was such a rush. “I aim to get the cards delivered to each staffer before noon today.”
Now tired of the game, I told him to stuff it and discontinued the dialogue.
You probably keep hearing about the need for vigilance when protecting your passwords and identity. There are LOTS of bad guys out there all sharing one objective: stealing your money.
As a seasoned New Yorker, I’m naturally cynical about almost everything. This scenario proves such cynicism is justified.
So what’s this got to do with a marketing column? As I’ve been reminded on a regular basis, a column like this brings with it certain responsibilities to advise others not only about marketing strategies and tools, but also marketing scams.
Furthermore, given the current environment, it seems like a worthwhile effort to remind you to do your homework before working with anyone.
Because thieves are getting increasingly sophisticated. Be sure you’re doing business with someone who’s legitimate.
And always check that you’re actually talking with whomever you think you’re talking with.
With that said, I wish you a week of profitable marketing.
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