Avoiding Deceptive Practices

I spoke with a promising candidate yesterday who recently had a troubling experience with a fraudulent agency. After going through what appeared to be a legitimate interview process, he was offered a position and accepted it. This is someone highly qualified—an individual a former colleague of mine had successfully placed multiple times in the past. Unfortunately, things took a turn when the supposed employer requested his bank routing number to set up direct deposit. Sensing something was off, he wisely provided details for an account that only had a few dollars in it. Sure enough, that small amount was withdrawn the same day—confirming his suspicions. This serves as a strong reminder: never share sensitive personal or financial information until you’ve thoroughly verified the legitimacy of the company. Authenticate in multiple ways—check their LinkedIn presence, read reviews on Glassdoor, consult with someone you trust, or ask to speak with someone in HR. Hopefully, situations like this are rare—but it's worth staying vigilant.

It's important to recognize that you are continuously targeted by scammers, fraudsters, and cybercriminals who are attempting to exploit your vulnerabilities. These threats often come in the form of urgent messages designed to create panic, such as fraudulent alerts from financial institutions. Whether or not you have an account with the institution, these tactics are intended to prompt a hasty response, potentially leading you into their trap. When you receive such a message, it's crucial to remain calm and deliberate in your response. Consider the following steps: Verify the Relationship: - Ask yourself, "Do I have a product or account with this bank?" - If the answer is no, this is likely a phishing or smishing attempt. - If the answer is yes, do not click any links in the message. Instead, contact your bank or financial institution directly to verify the legitimacy of the alert and get guidance on next steps. Assess the Communication Method: - Consider whether it's typical for your financial institution to contact you via text or email with a link. Most reputable institutions will not ask you to provide sensitive information through these channels. Cross-Check with Other Communications: - If the message mentions an attack, check your email or other secure communication channels for any corresponding alerts from your financial institution. By asking these critical questions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a scam. Additionally, follow these best practices to safeguard your personal information: - Avoid Password Reuse: Never use the same password across multiple sites or accounts. - Strengthen Your Email Security: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and consider using an authenticator app to add an extra layer of protection. - Monitor Financial Activity Regularly: Routinely review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. - Set Up Transaction Alerts: Opt in for notifications for every transaction on your bank accounts and credit cards. While no security measure is completely foolproof, taking proactive steps can greatly reduce the chances of a fraudster succeeding. Doing nothing only increases your vulnerability. These are somethings I continue to advocate as a participant in the fraud prevention space. I have to continue to remind myself, that what I think is obvious is not obvious to all. Hence we need to continue to improve literacy around this topic. #FraudPrevention #CyberSecurity #StaySafeOnline #DigitalSecurity #ScamAlert #OnlineSafety #PhishingAwareness #SMShing #CyberAwareness #FraudAwareness #FightFraud #StopScams #SecurityTips #BeVigilant

Procurement - Practice Negotiation, Not Manipulation! What people often say: "Procurement manipulates suppliers." What should be said: "Procurement negotiates with suppliers." Procurement professionals, it’s time to wake up! You need to understand what you are doing. Our primary job is to secure the best prices while delivering value. But not in unethical way. Negotiating is about having an open conversation where both sides share their needs and work together to find a fair deal. Even if you push for your side, the goal is a mutually beneficial agreement where both parties are satisfied. Manipulating is when you use pressure, tricks, or unfair tactics to force the other party to agree to something they might not want. It's about controlling the situation, often leading to deception and distrust. A few years ago, I was negotiating with a supplier over a packaging material. Considering the bulk volume, I could have pressured them into lowering the price immediately. Instead, I chose to take a more collaborative approach, asking about their challenges and working with them on a fair solution. By focusing on building trust and a win-win outcome, we not only got a reasonable price but also secured better payment terms and a stronger long-term relationship. Had I manipulated the situation for a quick win, I might have saved some money upfront, but I would’ve risked damaging the supplier relationship and future opportunities. We sometimes get so focused on cost savings that we forget our principles. Remember, you can’t force people to give you money through unethical means; it won’t last. The Consequences of Manipulating Suppliers: ⛔Damaged Relationships: Manipulation may get you short-term gains, but it harms long-term supplier relationships. Suppliers will be less willing to collaborate, and you may struggle to maintain favorable terms. ⛔Loss of Trust: Suppliers will recognize when you're using manipulation tactics, leading to distrust and a damaged reputation. ⛔Inconsistent Results: While manipulation may yield savings today, it often backfires, causing higher costs or loss of quality down the road. Shifting from Manipulation to Negotiation: ✅Start by focusing on building trust and understanding with your suppliers. ✅Aim for collaboration rather than control. ✅Be transparent about your needs, and work towards win-win solutions. It’s critical that we stay grounded and make decisions aligned with our values, rather than chasing short-term wins. Let’s build a procurement culture that thrives on integrity, fairness and mutual respect. Make people influenced by you and not convinced by you. P.S. If you're manipulating, stop immediately. The long-term damage far outweighs any short-term gains. Are you and your team negotiating or manipulating? Drop your answers below! #Procurement #Supplychain

Ghost jobs are corporate catfishing. Posting positions with no intent to hire damages candidate trust AND your employer brand. Here's how to build talent pipelines authentically: Companies are increasingly posting phantom jobs for a variety of reasons: - Building a "talent pipeline" for theoretical future needs - Boosting SEO and social media follower counts - Creating an illusion of growth for investors and competitors - Meeting internal policy requirements to post jobs publicly Some of these are deceptive to begin with, but some are totally valid goals. The problem is, real people with real hopes and dreams are on the receiving end of this corporate sleight of hand. For job seekers, the consequences are far from theoretical: - Wasted time on applications that were doomed from the start - Emotional toll of unexplained rejection and ghosting - Shattered confidence after multiple "failures" with jobs that were never available Building Brand Value vs. Burning Bridges Here's what's truly baffling: companies think they're being clever, but they're actually damaging their reputation among the very talent they hope to attract. Think of it like this: Marketers wouldn't create fake product pages to attract customers "just in case" you might sell that item someday. So why do it with jobs? Build a genuine employer brand instead. Smart companies are taking cues from inbound marketing: - Create authentic content about your workplace culture - Showcase employee stories and genuine growth - Build relationships with potential candidates before you need them - Maintain transparency about actual hiring timelines When you eventually do have real openings, you'll attract candidates who are already aligned with your values and excited about your company—no deception required. Let's normalize some basic decency in hiring: 1. Only post jobs you're actively hiring for 2. Be clear about timelines in job descriptions 3. Create "talent community" pages instead of fake listings 4. Respond to all applicants, even with automated messages By treating potential employees with the same respect you'd give customers, you'll build a reputation that attracts top talent naturally. The job market is challenging enough without companies adding artificial obstacles. It's time to stop gaslighting candidates and start building authentic relationships instead.

Even without a state privacy law - New York is coming after your website tracking (and so can other states). Key points from a new advisory by the Office of the New York State Attorney General based on an investigation of websites: As we've been telling clients - Even without a state privacy laws, businesses’ privacy-related practices and statements are subject to a state's consumer protection laws that prohibit businesses from engaging in deceptive acts and practices. Mistakes to avoid: 🔹 Make sure that your cookie management tool does not leave uncategorized or miscategorized tags/cookies. 🔹 Make sure your cookie management tool works well with your tag management tool. (disabling tracking in one disables the other too). 🔹 Make sure your marketing or advertising tags work as described and DO NOT remain active even after visitors try to disable them using the sites’ privacy controls. 🔹 Ensure even tags that are hardcoded to the website get deactivated by the cookie management tool. 🔹 Do not rely on contract based restrictions like limited data use (LDU - Meta) or Restricted data processing (RDP - Google) in states where they don't actually work. 🔹 Before deploying a new tag, understand what data the tag collects and how the data may be used or shared. 🔹 Address NON cookie based sharing Things to do: Configuration of trackers: 🔹 Designate a qualified individual (or individuals) with appropriate training to be responsible for implementing and managing website-tracking technologies. 🔹 Before deploying a new tag or tool, or changing how an existing tag or tool is used, take appropriate steps (including active due diligence) to identify the types of data collected and how the data will be used and shared. 🔹 When deploying a new tag or tool, or changing use, ensure that it is appropriately categorized and configured. 🔹 Conduct appropriate testing (regularly and following a change) to ensure that tags and tools are operating as intended. 🔹 Conduct reviews on a regular basis to ensure tags and tools are properly configured Disclosure and interface: 🔹 Make sure that your representations on the website about privacy controls (whether express or implied through privacy controls configuration) are accurate 🔹 Avoid language that creates a misleading impression of how your website handles tracking and choice [Don't say "by clicking accept cookies" you accept - if the cookies deploy by default] 🔹 Ensure the user interface is not misleading - beware of dark patterns (e.g a faded gray color, and without any visual indication that the words could be clicked); ambiguous buttons. 🔹 If you can agree with a single click you should be able to opt out with single click. 🔹 Make the interface accessible (e.g. allow navigation of privacy controls with a keyboard to tab) 🔹 Don't use large blocks of text or complicated language #dataprivacy #dataprotection #privacyFOMO https://rb.gy/bei7cu

THIS TYPE OF MARKETING ALWAYS BACKFIRES. I know you want to make money, I know the bills need to be paid, I know business must grow. But… Never arrive at that place where you mislead people with your marketing because you want to make SALES. Never arrive at that place where you LIE and use FALSE CLAIMS simply because you want to sell your market. Never arrive at that place where you make false promises because you want people to jump on your offers. It will always backfire. See ehh… If you lie to make a sale, you will keep lying to stay in business. Will you make money? Yes you will!!! But is that sustainable? I don't know, but you can ask those who were using fake screenshots to market their offers. Are they still in business? I'm not dragging them, I know they didn't know better. If they did they would have done better. What am I trying to say? If you want to last in business, avoid DECEPTIVE MARKETING. You're selling a weight loss product, but the reviews you're showing us were gotten from Google. You place a before and after on your socials that wasn't gotten from your products. You tell your customers that they will lose 20 pounds within one week, but they've been using it for three weeks now, they are still in the process. How about when you didn't tell your customers that there were hidden fees after this one they paid for, but your copy said, no hidden fees. How about when you say get this product for free, but they still had to pay a token for the product. You promised your students plenty of things before they paid for your course, now the story is different. You gave us what we ordered versus what we got… Hmmmm, Charlie… This is DECEPTIVE MARKETING!!! It always backfires ooh. I know you didn't know that some of your marketing efforts were DECEPTIVE. Here's what to do to avoid it!!! ✓ Be Honest and transparent: Tell us the koko about your products and services, don't make false claims. Clearly communicate all we would get. ✓ Under-promise and over deliver: Don't give too much big talk. Make a credible promise and blow our mind when we get on the job with you. ✓ Avoid using fake reviews: I know you don't have testimonials yet. But you can offer your services or products for free. This would help you get real life testimonials. ✓ Back your claims with real evidence: If you must make specific claims about your business, make sure they are backed by evidence. ✓ Do not lie in your marketing: Always ensure your Yes is Yes and your No is No. Sell the dream, but don't sell us with the dream. ✓ Don't tell us what your products cannot do: You said your products can clear pimples in three days. Omo! This is the third week with no visible changes. In all, have EMPATHY and FEAR GOD. If these two are in place you won't be lying up and down in your MARKETING. Thank You!!! #naijabrandchick

 The Importance of Due Diligence in Avoiding Bad Investments and Fraud Investing in a company can be a lucrative opportunity, but it also comes with significant risks. One of the most effective ways to mitigate these risks and avoid falling prey to fraud is through due diligence. This process involves a comprehensive investigation of a company's financial health, legal standing, and overall business operations. Here’s why due diligence is crucial for making informed investment decisions.  Identifying Potential Risks Due diligence allows investors to thoroughly assess a company's financial statements, market position, and operational practices. By analyzing these aspects, investors can identify potential risks that might not be immediately apparent. This could include hidden debts, declining market trends, or operational inefficiencies. Recognizing these risks early can prevent costly mistakes and ensure that investors are putting their money into stable and profitable ventures.  Verifying Claims and Ensuring Transparency Companies looking for investment often present themselves in the best possible light. Due diligence involves verifying the accuracy of these claims. This includes crosschecking financial records, validating business contracts, and confirming the authenticity of key assets. Ensuring transparency helps investors avoid being misled by false information and provides a clear picture of the company's true value and potential.  Safeguarding Against Fraud Fraudulent schemes are a significant threat in the investment world. Due diligence acts as a safeguard against such deceptive practices. By conducting a thorough background check on the company’s management, past business dealings, and legal compliance, investors can uncover any red flags that might indicate fraudulent activity. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of falling victim to scams and protects investors' interests.  Conclusion Due diligence is an essential step in the investment process. It helps in identifying potential risks, verifying claims, and safeguarding against fraud, ensuring that investors make informed and secure investment decisions. By thoroughly investigating a company's financial health, legal issues, and business operations, due diligence provides the transparency needed to avoid bad investments and fraudulent schemes.

10 Signs of Greenwashing 🌎 Greenwashing is the practice of misleading stakeholders about the environmental performance or impact of an organization. As scrutiny on sustainability claims intensifies, it is essential to understand how deceptive communication can be structured to appear credible while masking material issues. These ten signals offer a framework for identifying and assessing potential greenwashing across products, campaigns, and corporate strategies. The use of vague or unregulated terminology is one of the most common indicators. Phrases such as “green,” “eco,” or “planet-friendly” often lack precise definitions, making them difficult to verify. Without clear metrics or recognized standards, such language obscures the real environmental attributes of a product or initiative. Another frequent tactic involves promoting environmentally improved products while the rest of the business remains environmentally harmful. For instance, spotlighting a sustainable product line does little to offset the impact of operations that rely on unsustainable energy sources or cause significant pollution. Visual strategies can also mislead. The use of natural imagery (such as leaves, animals, or landscapes) can signal environmental responsibility even when it is unrelated to actual practices. These visual cues are designed to evoke emotional trust rather than reflect verifiable impact. Some claims focus on marginal improvements that are largely irrelevant in the broader environmental context. Highlighting a single recyclable element or the removal of one ingredient may distract from systemic issues, such as supply chain emissions, toxic waste, or overproduction. Competitive positioning is often used to imply superiority. Declaring a product or company as “best in class” within a polluting or underregulated sector does not ensure environmental leadership. Being slightly better than industry peers does not equate to aligning with global environmental thresholds or scientific guidance. Certain claims lack basic credibility. Labeling harmful products as sustainable, regardless of minor adjustments, undermines the seriousness of environmental communication. No amount of offsetting or rebranding can make inherently harmful activities environmentally sound. Technical jargon or complex metrics that are inaccessible to most audiences can create the illusion of scientific rigor. If a claim depends on data that only experts can interpret, it limits public accountability and may conceal the absence of independent verification or robust methodologies. Finally, the absence of evidence or the fabrication of sustainability credentials is a critical concern. Claims that cannot be traced to data, third-party audits, or public reporting mechanisms should be treated with skepticism. Reliable sustainability communication is grounded in transparency, traceability, and consistency. Source: Futerra #sustainability #sustainable #esg #business #greenwashing

🚨 Avoiding the Deception Trap in Entrepreneurship 🚨 Entrepreneurs often walk a fine line between inspiring vision and overpromising. Our recent article in Harvard Business Review together with Raghu Garud, Llewellyn D W Thomas, and Nelson Phillips highlights the dangers of falling into the “deception trap” – where compelling storytelling can spiral into deception. To safeguard ventures and values, consider these key takeaways: ✅ Set Realistic Stretch Goals: Inspire, but inform stakeholders about risks upfront. ✅ “Fail Fast” is about rapid experimentation and disciplined learning, not reckless risks. ✅ Be Honest About Milestones: Transparent communication builds trust, even with early prototypes. Investors and stakeholders need to stay vigilant through due diligence, challenging assumptions, and following the mantra: “Trust but verify.” Entrepreneurship has the power to transform industries, but it requires integrity to create sustainable impact. Even well-intentioned entrepreneurs can fall victim to the deception trap. Rewarding truth, not just ambition, is importnat. 🌱 #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Investing #StartupEthics https://lnkd.in/eKd5dtna

Unethical Hiring Practices: Red Flags Job Seekers Shouldn't Ignore In today’s competitive job market, candidates invest time, energy, and hope into the hiring process. Unfortunately, not every organization reciprocates this effort ethically. I want to highlight some unethical hiring practices so job seekers can spot red flags and make informed decisions about where to invest their time and talent. 🚩 Ghosting Candidates: A candidate invests hours preparing for an interview, only to never hear back, despite promises of updates. This shows a lack of respect for the candidate’s time and effort. 🚩 Misleading Job Descriptions: Some companies lure candidates with roles that promise strategic responsibilities but deliver mundane tasks once the candidate is onboarded. Always ask detailed questions about the role during interviews. 🚩 Excessive Rounds of Interviews Without Progress: When a hiring process drags on with endless interviews but no clear feedback or timeline, it could indicate indecisiveness or a lack of respect for the candidate’s time. 🚩 Overpromising and Underdelivering on Compensation: Some companies make grand promises about pay, bonuses, or perks but significantly backtrack when it’s time to sign the offer. Always get everything in writing. 🚩 Unclear Reporting Lines or Job Role Ambiguity: If the organization struggles to explain who the role reports to or what success looks like, it could be a sign of internal disarray or lack of genuine need for the position. 🚩 No Respect for Boundaries or Privacy: Questions about marital status, age, religion, or personal life are not only unprofessional but also illegal in many regions. Know your rights and call out inappropriate questions. 🚩 Unethical Practices in Background Checks: Calling your current employer without your consent or using deceptive methods to gather information about you are red flags. What Should You Do? ✔️ Research the company on platforms like Glassdoor or LinkedIn. ✔️ Speak to current or past employees if possible. ✔️ Trust your instincts, if something feels off, it probably is. To my network: Have you encountered any of these unethical practices or others? Let’s create awareness and hold organizations accountable for fostering fairness and respect during the hiring process. Your experience could help someone avoid a negative experience. #EthicalHiring #JobSearch #CareerGrowth