Good morning!

With the unemployment rate so high, and so many people looking for jobs, I thought this was a good one from Scambusters to post:

Posting your resume on an Internet employment search site is an everyday part of online job hunting.

But the information you give about yourself can be used by crooks as well as potential employers.

Securing Your Resume For Online Job Hunting
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These days, when most people change employment every few years, online job hunting is very much part of the search process.

And to give themselves the best chance of success, many job-seekers post their resume on one or more of the scores of Internet job search sites.

This makes sense if you believe that the wider you cast the net, the more likely you are to land a good catch, but promoting yourself online does pose a risk of identity theft, spahamming (misspelled intentionally) and other scams, as we’ve reported in previous issues.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1bfMyfUBkWtWfo&b=UAZNwrmWTObihkXrXo7yAg

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1bfMyfUBkWtWfo&b=JwUhPTY414gwV9qPziZfmg

But you can take steps to reduce that risk, while still keeping your chances high of being “discovered” by a potential new employer.

In this issue, we focus specifically on resume security. A good starting point for guidance is the US Office of Personnel Management

(http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1bfMyfUBkWtWfo&b=n0nyyLha9Mfy1PaNJEjTDg), which looks after recruitment for the Federal Government.

You can post your resume there for free, but even here the site warns users to be “mindful about the type of information you include on your resume,” advising against detailing personal information like your National Identification and driver’s license numbers, financial account information, passwords and birth dates.

But you also get a number of extra security options, which likely you also will see increasingly on other, non-Government job search sites.

Resume privacy options

The most “open” option for online job hunting is the public resume, which allows all potential employers to see all the details you posted including contact information. And it’s the one we don’t recommend.

By contrast, a confidential resume does not disclose your personal details, like contact information, your current employer or available references. Contact with you comes indirectly, via the online job hunting site.

Finally, using a private resume option means it cannot be seen at all by potential employers until you contact them, having spotted a job that interests you, and provide a link.

Ideally, this document should be protected by a password, which you change frequently.

Other job search sites may also allow additional privacy options.

One feature many online job-hunting sites have in common is a claim that your resume cannot be seen by other job-seekers, only by employers.

The validity of that claim, however, rests on how effective a particular search site is at confirming the authenticity of those who say they’re employers, so you shouldn’t let that influence how much information you give away.

The non-profit World Privacy Forum (WPF)
(http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1bfMyfUBkWtWfo&b=zkVZfZiGVPjL_CeCZUwLOA), for example, suggests that law firms and private eyes use online job hunting sites to track down people they wish to subpoena.

No matter where you post, your resume will attract a number of online job scams.

These might include bogus jobs, where the scammer wants your details for identity theft or to charge a fee for a supposed security check.

Other search sites will also contact you trying to get you to post with them, or you’ll hear from dubious agents offering to find you a job for a finder’s fee.

At this stage, you should certainly never respond by disclosing any confidential information until you have thoroughly checked out a supposed employer.

Be especially wary of anything that involves a money request. Legitimate employers simply don’t do this.

***************

ZL: I have a very early morning.  I really don’t have a response, but thanks for taking the time and giving me your two. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

First, I want to step back a few days and respond to some of you.

Girlz: Liang, nice to hear from you. It has been quite a while since you have commented here. How about telling me and my readers what you have been up to.

Zen Lill: Hey…Looking forward to it.

Howard: I didn’t notice that was a pattern here. It seems that quite a few were able to comment this time. I don’t think the subject matter matters as much as how many readers are trying to get in and comment on a particular topic at the same time, and how much my blog is being watched and trying to be blocked at that same time.

Robert: If this is our regular reader Robert, I was hoping you could tell us. You always have some enlightening answers and comments, but rarely ask questions. :)

Jessica: Thanks for enlightening me on the subject. It still amazes me that log cabin Republicans even exist. Who would side with the Republicans knowing that the Republicans are anti-gay? It is so illogical for gays to side with a party that opposes who you are and doesn’t support legislation that is important to gays, including equal rights.

And now after you present to your brother everything that Obama has done for gays, (thank you, I was not aware.) he still opposes him because he is black. How stupid is that? It just shows you how deep racism is amongst whites, even gay whites, that they will let their own racists beliefs prevent them from attaining equal status, and living their lives as fully as they can. A perfect example of cutting off your nose to spite your face. I feel the same in regards to Democrats who decided not to show up at the polls.  How stupid to default to a party that screwed up this country in the first place.

Not to mention the stupidity of the same same stupid Republicans who voted in the same same Republicans this past election, like the previous 8 years, before Obama wasn’t bad enough.

I see racism as a sign of weakness. Only someone weak would think they are better because of the color of their skin. Only someone weak would allow insane racist beliefs to rule their thoughts, knowing that their chosen thoughts are the demise of our country; our world. A strong person would see the ridiculousness of it all, and not chose these insane thoughts over logic.

But doesn’t disease act the same way? Living and feeding off the host, until that which supports it dies and the disease itself dies, because it no longer can prey on that which kept it alive. A disease, like racists, are only about self-aggrandizement…are only about living in the moment…what is best for me and mine, with little care about others and the future.

When, and not if, the Republicans mess up our country again, and they will. Will those that once again voted them in, or decided to “not bother”, finally learn, or will they continue to cut off their noses time and time again?

Uma: Consider yourself considered. :)

Iris: They are the same same as they have always been: Racists. Racism is nothing new. But it seems to me, as your father has admitted, when otws take their rightful place, beneath whites, whites are okay with otws. But if they become equal to, and God forbid, succeed whites, well them oh  no, that is not acceptable. They have forgotten their place. That is the reason why whites are screaming, “I want my country back!”. Your father had no reason to “complain” when he was living his cushy life, and otws were in their place. But now it is a different story. I am sure many families such as yours are being enlightened to the true feelings that are emerging because our president is a black man.

Bob: Thanks for that – Haha! Loved it.

Well I thought I was going to have a topic to write about today, but no. And I have more to say, but it is late so I’m going to end it here. The forum is open…Blog me.

It’s a beautiful day, enjoy it! xoxo

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

I am digging Rachel Maddow. But then I always have. What I so appreciate about her is that she articulates herself so well that even the stupidest person will get what she is saying. When you listen to her commentary, you are not left guessing what she meant, asking such questions…”Does she mean this…?” or “What is she saying?”

You know exactly what Maddow means. Because when she speaks she is not cryptic, she is completely clear. She hits you hard over the head with facts that pulls her point together, and drives it home. I love listening to her…love her logic…and love her levity. My kind of girl. :)

Readers: What’s up? Blog me.

Tina: I wanted to say, “Yes, I do remember.” Unfortunately it seems many forgot.

Lois: Like I said, that’s the upside and the downside.

Burt: Yeah and my mother “hated” making phone calls but she still did for the greater good. (And hate is a strong word that my mother used lightly just because she loves connecting with people and rarely did during the process.)

So….if I understand you clearly, you didn’t vote…you gave up your voice, gave up your support for the Dems because you want more civility in the election process?  Are you happy with the turnout?  I want you to meet “The Republicans”…they have now taken control of the House. And guess what? “Civility” is not part of their nature.

Don’t be surprised if you end up hating the results and hating yourself for not exercising your right to vote, for not using your voice. Did you see the video above? Did you read the comments from Jeffrey and Clark?Because when it comes to the Republicans, the Democratic voice will not be heard. So sorry your excuse not to vote is lame.

That’s my big bitch with Dems not showing up. Instead of supporting the president that they voted in, instead of supporting the administration that they voted in, they sat back home on their butts, and dug their feet into their carpet, because they got upset over this or that, and said, “Eh.! Why bother?” I guess we’ll find out why bothering would’ve been important. Like I said, it will be interesting the next two years.

Although, I have to admit, I still have HOPE that there is a silver lining here somewhere.

Hi Zen Lill! :)

Doug: Humor is good. Thanks for lightening it up.

Peter: Good point about “compassion”.  Hafa Adai.

I’m out of here. Have a great day…

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

John Curley Photography

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

If you’re a woman, I hope that you’re voting with the Democrats this November. Why? Because women will suffer if the balance of power shifts.

A report released last Thursday by the White House makes an excellent case that women have benefited greatly from the policies and programs advanced by the Obama administration and the Democratic Congress. Also see Speaker Pelosi’s report released Friday, highlighting the top 5 gains for women in the 111th Congress and how few Republicans voted for each. By inference, women will suffer if the November elections shift the balance of power between the parties. Unfortunately, many women, leaders included, probably do not know just how much women have benefited from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as the economic stimulus, the Affordable Care Act (health care reform), and other policy changes in the past 22 months.

-Heidi Hartman, President, Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Huff Po

Have any doubt? This is Pelosi’s report:

Progress For America’s Women

10/22/2010

The Democratic-led 111th Congress has been enacting key measures to improve the lives of America’s women and their families; in sharp contrast, Republicans are out-of-touch with women’s concerns and have consistently opposed these gains.

America is moving forward, and Democrats will continue to focus on creating good jobs for women, expanding opportunities for women-owned small businesses, better supporting working women at home and in their jobs, protecting Medicare from Republican voucher schemes, and preserving Social Security from Republican plans to privatize and cut it.  Protecting Social Security is key for women; 58% of Social Security recipients are women and for a majority of women over 65, Social Security provides more than half of their income.

TOP 5 ACTIONS IN THE 111TH CONGRESS

EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN

One of the very top issues for American women is equal pay for equal work.  The first substantive bill enacted into law in the 111th Congress was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.  It restored the right of women and other workers to challenge unfair pay—by reversing the May 2007 Ledbetter v Goodyear Supreme Court decision that overturned precedent and made it much more difficult for workers to pursue pay discrimination claims.  The bill restored prior law—allowing a complaint to be filed within 180 days of a discriminatory paycheck, not of an employer’s first decision to discriminate.  The bill was supported by many groups, including AAUW, Business and Professional Women, and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce.  98% of House Republicans voted NO, including the House GOP Leadership.

CREATING AND SAVING GOOD JOBS FOR WOMEN

As with all Americans, American women want a fair shot at getting and keeping a good job—during a struggling economy caused by the Bush recession. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the Recovery Act has been responsible for up to 3.3 million jobs nationwide through June 2010.  The Recovery Act included numerous provisions to expand job opportunities and job training for women, including in non-traditional careers like hundreds of thousands of new clean energy jobs and skills training and expanded opportunities for women in the transportation industry. An independent report by two prominent economists, including an advisor to the McCain for President campaign,concluded that the Recovery Act and certain actions by the Federal Reserve helped prevent a second Great Depression—and that, without them, we would have lost an additional 8 million jobs and unemployment today would be over 16%.  That would have been a disaster for American women and their families.  100% of House Republicans voted NO, including the House GOP Leadership.

Millions of American women own a small business—and have had trouble getting critical access to credit in the Bush recession.  The Small Business Jobs Act unlocked up to $300 billion in private sector lending to them and included 8 new small business tax cuts, worth $12 billion. 99% of House Republicans voted NO, including the House GOP Leadership.

PROTECTING CHILDREN & TEENS FROM TOBACCO AND UNSAFE FOOD

Protecting our children from health dangers is a primary responsibility of government—and this Congress has made great strides to protect children from the dangers of smoking and from the nightmare of contaminated food.

Every day, more than 3,500 children try a cigarette for the first time, and another 1,000 will become new, regular daily smokers.  One-third of these youth will eventually die prematurely as a result.  The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, enacted in 2009, grants the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the advertising, marketing, and manufacturing of tobacco products, including banning all outdoor tobacco advertising within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds; restricting vending machines and self-service displays to adult-only facilities; requiring retailers to verify age for all over-the-counter sales; and providing for federal enforcement and penalties against retailers who sell to minors. 56% of House Republicans voted NO, including the House GOP Leadership.

Each year, more than 325,000 Americans are hospitalized and 5,000 die from consuming contaminated food.  In just the last few years, there has been a string of food-borne illness outbreaks in foods consumed by millions of Americans each day—from spinach to peppers to peanut butter.  The House passed a landmark food safety bill, the Food Safety Enhancement Act, that makes several long-overdue repairs to our broken food safety system—giving the FDA new powers and tools to ensure our food is safe.  It requires more frequent inspections of food processing facilities; gives FDA the authority to order a food recall if a company fails to do so when requested; and takes steps to ensure that imported foods meet safety standards.  69% of House Republicans voted NO on this bill, including the House GOP Leadership—and the bill has been held up in the Senate by threats of Republican obstruction.

BEING A WOMAN WILL NO LONGER BE A “PRE-EXISTING CONDITION”

Under the abusive practices of many health insurers, being a woman has essentially been treated as a pre-existing condition.  In the individual insurance market, where millions of woman purchase coverage every year, women have suffered enormous discrimination for decades—many health insurers have treated pregnancy, having had a C-section, and even being the victim of domestic violence as a pre-existing condition.  These health insurers have also used “gender rating”—charging women more than men for the same coverage.  The Affordable Care Act requires health insurance companies to stop discriminating against women when reforms are fully implemented in 2014—eliminating pre-existing conditions and stopping insurers from being able to charge women more than men for the same coverage.  100% of House Republicans voted NO on this bill, including the House GOP Leadership.  House Republican Leader Boehner has continually vowed that the number-one priority of a Republican Majority would be to repeal the health reform bill.

BANNING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST SICK CHILDREN & ENSURING COVERAGE FOR AT LEAST 11 MILLION CHILDREN

All American children deserve to have a healthy start in life. One of the cruelest practices of America’s health insurance industry has been denying children with pre-existing conditions coverage—or dropping them from coverage when they get sick.  TheAffordable Care Act ended those practices for new plan years starting in September under the new Patient’s Bill of Rights.  It also gives comfort to parents of adult children under the age of 26—who can finally stay on their parents’ insurance policy if they need it.  100% of House Republicans voted NO—and they threaten to repeal these historic gains.

The second substantive bill enacted into law in the 111th Congress provided health care coverage for 11 million children. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act preserved coverage for 7 million children covered by CHIP and extended coverage to 4 million uninsured children who are eligible for, but not yet enrolled in, CHIP and Medicaid.  The bill was fully paid for by increasing the tobacco tax.  77% of House Republicans voted NO, including the House GOP Leadership—opposing legislation which simply strengthened the popular, bipartisan Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

**********

Girls: Just when Congress has been enacting key measures to improve our lives and the lives of our families, we many lose our momentum this November. You can see how the Republicans are voting. They certainly aren’t on our side when it comes to our health, our livelihood, our concerns. We can keep the momentum going if we get out and vote Democratic, and encourage our girlfriends to stick together and do the same.

Don’t you think we have had enough? Aren’t you tired of being considered a second class citizen? When will women get a clue? Men just don’t care enough about us as they do each other. It’s really that simple, and it’s really the truth. At least with the Democrats we have a chance…a voice. With the Republicans, “the party of no“, we girls stand little chance of being heard.

So…stop standing behind your man, and stand beside your sisters. You girls know who I am talking to.

I long for the day when women support women, the way men have always supported men. I’m envious of the camaraderie that men have amongst each other. If there is one thing that we can learn from men, it is how loyal they are to each other. And they have shown us that they can be ruthlessly loyal when it comes to putting others aside, and sticking by each other’s side.

I’m not asking to be ruthless, although maybe we should. I’m only asking for simple loyalty, simple support amongst us girls. How about making that day this November 2nd…and beyond? We have the numbers – Stick with the Dems. Let’s do it.

Zen Lill: This afternoon should be good. Call me in my office when you have the time.

Peace & Love: “Live it, Give it”

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Not quite. In the days where there was a damsel in distress, there was always a prince ready to rescue her. Or at least that’s what the fairy tales eluded to. Now, in these days, damsel or not, we’re a little bit short on princes.

Non the less, we could all use a little help now and then, and certainly if we could give some…even better.

Just be sure that the person in distress really needs assistance, and is just not out to scam you, here’s a few tips from Scambusters that will help you differentiate between those truly in distress, and those not…those scammers banking on your good will in hopes of you handing over your hard earned cash:

Distress Scams

A distress scam occurs when a con artist spins a tall story in hopes of getting you to hand over some cash.

Claims of ill health, family tragedies or legal problems, are sadly often just cunning ruses to play on your emotions.

When this happens it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction, but in this week’s issue we detail the most common storylines and offer some pointers on the actions you could take.

<>~<>~<><>~<>~<><>~<>~<><>~<>~<><>~<>~<><>~<>~<><>~<>
How Distress Scam Storylines Aim To Win Your Sympathy
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In a parking lot, on a sidewalk, in your workplace or even on the phone, it’s likely one day you’ll encounter a distress scam.

You know the sort of thing: someone tells you a story of despair and asks for your money to help put things right.

All too often these are con artist tricks — and they succeed because they sound like they’re real.

Or, because you’re not sure, the crook knows that you’ll hand over the money because you have a conscience.

But often, you can sniff out a distress scam or take a safer course of action to provide help.

Here are some of the most common stories you’ll hear in a distress scam — and some suggestions on what you can do about them.

Gotta get home

This one tops the distress scam charts — most often a panhandler at a rest stop, off-ramp or gas station with a sign saying they ran out of fuel or their car broke down and they need money to get home.

Sometimes, they might have “props,” like an empty fuel can or a nearby car with the hood up.

You can be 95% sure this is a con artist trick and, if you give, know that you’re probably paying for some other kind of “fuel.”

A different version is the acquaintance who claims a family member is seriously ill or died and they need money to travel home for a bedside farewell or even a funeral.

Dealing with this is difficult. You might be able to seek more details that you can check out independently, or offer to help them financially when they get back. Unless you’re 100% sure, just don’t donate a large sum.

Another variation is the hacked email or Facebook distress scam, in which a genuine friend’s account is taken over by scammers who contact you, claiming to be them and to have been mugged while on vacation.

Supposedly having lost all their money, they now ask you to wire cash for them to buy an air ticket home.

Avoid this by checking the real whereabouts of the supposed victim, with them or with acquaintances.

In trouble with the law

This distress scam is most often seen in the notorious grandparent con trick, in which the victim receives a phone call supposedly from a grandchild, claiming they’ve been arrested and need cash to post bail.

You can read more about this scam in an earlier Scambusters issue.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1gHTaDuVmmtWfo&b=v_VfjRs4yjDL1nksAIL.vQ

Alternatively, a phone call to an employer pretends to be from a police officer, saying one of his employees has been arrested and, again, needs cash for bail.

In both cases, as with the email/Facebook hack mentioned above, simply check the story by either independently calling the real law enforcement agency supposedly involved or by confirming the whereabouts of the individual concerned.

Serious illness or disability

This is another common type of distress scam.

The con artist claims either to be sick (often supposedly suffering from cancer or other terminal illness) and unable to pay for treatment, or to be raising money for another person similarly afflicted or perhaps for a disabled child.

It takes many forms, most often in the workplace or a social group such as church or a club. An individual, sometimes even a person who has been well known to the group for years but more likely a newcomer, announces the sickness and asks acquaintances for financial support.

Another frequent version is a collection box in a company reception lobby or a convenience store, supposedly to raise money for a sick or disabled child.

This usually has been left by a visitor, who spins a plausible tale to the company or store and returns later to collect the box.

It’s difficult to question these people without appearing distrustful or even heartless, but you have to probe tactfully with questions — about where they’re being treated or the name of their specialist doctor, for instance.

People who tell lies in these circumstances often give themselves away by their behavior. Find out more about how to spot a liar in this earlier Scambusters report.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1gHTaDuVmmtWfo&b=AYjf_Vsng62IKZBGdUAETg

With collection boxes, the best advice is not to donate large sums or, if you’re particularly concerned to help, take the details off the box and check them out.

Vacation beggars

It’s difficult enough trying to judge the real degree of need of people you meet on the streets of your own country, but when you travel abroad, the problem multiplies.

Beggars frequent well-known tourist spots, sometimes distressingly exhibiting some kind of disability or even an accompanying child with a serious deformity, especially in Third World countries.

In this latter case, such children are actually passed from one begging shift to the next, while the beggars themselves are experts at pulling a mournful expression.

The fact is that you can’t tell if these cases are genuine or not and you are actually far better making donations to legitimate charities devoted to helping people in need in these countries.

Remember too that begging is often used in tourist locations to distract you while an accomplice steals from your pocket or purse.

Other tall stories

Not all parking lot and sidewalk con artist scams rely entirely on tales of woe.

For example, there’s the crook who shows you what they claim is a valuable item or even a bar of gold they invite you to buy for a knockdown price because they need the money
urgently.

Another person turns up (really an accomplice) and vouches for the value of the item to try to persuade you to buy.

Solution: Just don’t.

Or there’s the supposed charity giveaway scam, where the crook shows you what appears to be a big wad of cash (actually just a roll of paper with a dollar bill around the outside) that they’re trying to give away to needy people.

The scammer says they’re leaving the country and need to entrust the cash to someone else to give away. But, to prove your trustworthiness and supposedly convince them you won’t steal their money, they want you to give them a bundle of your own cash.

Sounds pathetic, doesn’t it? But people fall for this all the time. Bottom line: This is 100% a scam. People just don’t do this for real.

Distress scams like the ones listed here succeed because the crooks are often very plausible; they seem genuine – but that’s the essence of con artist tricks and is especially
effective when it preys on your conscience.

Also, as we always warn, any request for you to wire money should put you on the alert.

The best general policy is to be skeptical of anyone who asks you for money, when appropriate to do what you can to check out their stories, and, if you really feel moved to do so, to only donate small sums of money.

And if your conscience is pricked, donate money to a relevant charity such as those for the homeless or cancer treatment and research. You may not be helping the individual who’s asking for the cash but you know that your donation will be put to good and genuine use.

Readers: I think that just about covers it all don’t you? Anything to add? Blog me. Anything to share? Blog me. Anything else…you know what to do.

Nora: I meant no disrespect. I know you know that. Perhaps I should’ve worded myself better: “I would not want to be in your shoes.” Most women in America have it very easy compared to many women in this world. And yes, I agree, men do need to feel what they deliver in so many ways. I also think Madaline has walked in your shoes (literally) which is why, her idea would be to obliterate many men and boys over 12, if it were her choice. If I thought that was the best solution, I would do it. There are days when I am so upset about the plight of women, and the lack of solutions, that I think strongly about Maddie’s idea.

Ruth: You and me both. The stakes are high. I just HOPE the Dems realize just how much.

Elke: Lucky man!

Love the quotes on love and joy. Here’s one I like:

“Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”—Mother Teresa, Catholic nun and Nobel Peace Prize recipient

On that beautiful note, I’ve got to go.

Carry on…

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

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