Today we have a quick but hopefully impactful episode to help you avoid a common (and expensive) scam in the organizing industry.

• [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.

• [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.

• [03:19] The Emotional Manipulation

  • Scammers claim to be deaf or hearing impaired to avoid phone calls and elicit sympathy.

• [04:26] The Financial Trap

  • The scam involves sending a fraudulent certified check and asking the organizer to pay "movers" or other service providers.

• [05:28] How the Scam Works

  • Explanation of how the organizer ends up losing money after the check bounces.

• [05:41] Increasing Sophistication

  • Scammers are getting more advanced, using real addresses and names found online.

• [06:13] Advice: Ignore and Delete

  • Melissa urges listeners to ignore suspicious emails and not feel obligated to respond.

• [07:07] Trust Your Gut

  • Importance of listening to your instincts, even if it means missing out on a potential client.

• [08:17] Real-Life Example

  • Melissa shares a story about following her gut during a consultation that felt "off."

• [08:53] Don't Feel Guilty

  • It's okay to delete and forget about suspicious inquiries, even if it feels rude.

• [09:25] Business Best Practices

  • Never pay service providers for new clients; only consider it for long-term, trusted clients.

• [09:59] No Shame in Falling for Scams

  • Reassurance for anyone who has been scammed—smart people can fall victim too.

• [10:35] Final Reminders

  • Trust your gut, say no when needed, and don't let scammers win.

• [10:24] Outro

  • Teaser for the next episode and a final message to stay vigilant.