Cheating in the workplace isn’t only limited to the guys at the top, true they are the one’s who make the news but it is estimated that 70% of American workers admit to either stealing or consider stealing from there employer. People think that the stapler or legal pad they pack in their brief case or purse does the employer no harm but, over time, this adds up. Often the thief thinks, “Hey, that was easy, what else can I take?” Frequently they take the small stuff just to check out the security system.  In February of this year CNN reported that the cheating culture has created an atmosphere that dissuades whistle blowers from coming forward, a practice that cost American business an estimated $60 Billion a year. What does this have to do with love…absolutely nothing.  Except if it is your company’s profit that is part of the $60 Billion loss, it is hard to be sexy or fun on your date.  Here is what you can do about it.

First of all you have to understand why people steal.  Usually it is not out of need, although with the economy the way it is that might not be the case any more. For the most part, people steal out of greed and contempt.  To make matters worse, co-workers see the first employee take something and they start to think, “Hey, why not?”  This company is not going to miss—-what ever.  

What can you do about it?
Simple, stay ahead of the game. The first step is, obviously, a professional background check.  Since one on my companies conduct background checks, this is a very important topic to me.  There are dozens of companies that say they do background checks, when in reality they access the same database web site you can access and they charge you for it.  The biggest reason for concern when you are using an “information vendor” is are they FCRA,DPPA, and HIPPA compaliant..if not you could have even bigger problems. Just beware of who does your background checks, because an applicant passes a background check with flying colors does not mean he ( or she) won’t steal from you. You have to be vigilant every day.  One of the best management courses I took while in the police department was “Management by Walking Around” which was the brain child of the late Sam Walton, founder of Walmart.  If you are interacting (walking around) with your employees, you can pick up on “bad vibes“.  Of course you cannot please everyone, so don’t try. Let them know that you care about them and are there to help them if needed.  If you do detect a problem, contact your companies security department, they may have surveillance cameras in place or can set one up. If you don’t have a security department take time to document the theft before you report it, you don’t want to falsely accuse anyone. If this is not your company, it would be a good idea to let your supervisor in on what you suspect, hopefully he (or she) can help you.

Like I said, workplace cheating has nothing to do with love or dating, but it has everything to do with your professional life, which spills over in to your personal life.  Fabulously 40 business women are smart ( that is why you are on this site..right?) You can take charge and avoid cheating in the workplace (and love, come to think about it).

Where is the world did the summer go?  Wasn’t it just yesterday we were getting ready to celebrate July 4th?  Well, it is that time of the year when the weather gets cool, the leaves change (unless you live in Southern Calif or Florida) and football takes over the TV on the weekend.  In my never ending effort to promote personal safety, I wanted to pass a few “Falling in to Fall” tips.

1.  At a Halloween party, don’t allow yourself to be “over served, if you just can’t resist that yummy concoction, have enough money to get a cab and make arrangement with the hostess to get your car the next day.  I can not stress this enough…DUI is a serious violation and driving while under the influence is often fatal.  If you are the hostess see if you can’t have a designated driver or two..I think the saying is, “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk!”
2.  Wear a costume that does not inhibit your vision or movement.  Unless you have the insurance that has the duck for a spokesman, it will hurt to miss work.
3.  It is fun to decorate out side, just make sure that your house number is not covered up by a ghost or goblin.  In case of an emergency, the police and/or fire responders hate to waste valuable time looking for your house number.
4.  Along these same lines, keep your walk way clear of pumpkin or what ever so your guest don’t trip and fall over them.
5.  If you welcome Trick or Treaters, have the door way well lit do th children can see where they are going.
6.  Never invite an adult that you don’t know really well in to your home, even if he has a child with him.  The child could well be a ploy.
7.  Buy candy that is individually wrapped or better yet, get a healthy treat like small boxes of raisins, wrap small apples in saran wrap, small bags of trail mix that you can get at the grocery store.  This serves two purposes…the parents will thank you and, if you have any left over, you can eat it without fear of it going to your middle..got to look good for that outfit you want to wear on New Years Eve.
8. Before you fire up your fire place or furnace for the first time, have it serviced…carbon monoxide is a odorless lethal gas. It’s great to cuddle up in front of the fire place, just make sure you have a screen in front to avoid sparks igniting a rug or your clothes.
9.  Going back to the party thing, I strongly suggest that you don’t let your drink glass out of your site or allow any one else to get you a drink…it is a date rape thing you want to avoid at all cost.
10. Be careful when it comes to burning leaves.  Check with your local fire department to see if there are any burning restrictions.  Don’t burn on windy days, set up in an open area (not next to trees, bushes or your house) and have a charged garden hose ready just in case.  

Fall is truly a beautiful time of the year…be safe and enjoy.

It is so easy to and profitable to buy and or sell merchandise on the Internet, but you have to BEWARE of INTERNET FRAUD.  Internet thief’s lurk on even the most reputable web sites such as EBay and Craig’s List.  Unfortunately these sites, as good as they are, can not ‘police” the people who use there site. In other words, it is up to you, the seller, to be educated to how Internet fraud is perpetrated.  Get comfortable, here we go!

**Understand as much as possible about how the web site works, what your obligations are as a buyer?seller, and what the seller’s obligations are before you bid.

**Find out what actions the web site takes (if any) should a problem occur and consider insuring the transaction and shipment.

**Learn as much as you can about the seller. Some of the more reputable sites have a place to report abuse, so check it out.  If it is a business, check the Better Business Bureau where the seller is located.

**If a problem occurs with the transaction, it is much more difficult to get the problem resolved if the seller lives outside of the US because of different laws.  Make sure you are dealing with someone inside the United States.

**Have it in writing, such as e-mail, when delivery can be expected.  Request that the merchandise is sent via US mail or a MAJOR delivery company such as FEDEX or UPS.  That way you have a tracking number.

**Make sure there are no hidden cost.  That the dollar amount your agree on is the FINAL amount.

**There is no reason for you to give your drivers license or Social Security Number…so DON‘T.

**If you are the seller, do not accept personal checks!  Make it clear to the buyer that you will only accept a certified check, cashiers check, or money order and that you will send the merchandise AFTER the check has been verified to be valid.

**Over Payment Fraud is rampant on the Internet. The buyer will tell you that he is sending you a check for, in most cases for hundreds of dollars OVER the price you are asking. They will request you cash the check, take some extra to cover shipping and send the remaining amount to a sick friend or family member…RIGHT!  I repeat, the form of payment must be in a certified check,  money order or counter check (in other words, the money is in the bank to cover the transaction.)  Don’t accept a check, no matter what type, that is written for OVER the amount you are asking for…chanches are the check is counterfeit.  If the check does not meet all of these requirements, return it with  “Thanks, but not thanks” written in red across it.

In you have ANY questions about selling or buying a product don’t go do it. It is MUCH better to be safe than sorry, if the offer is too good to be true, it is not.  It can be fun, convenient, and profitable to do business over the Internet…just use your common sense.

Check our my web site for more safety tips at www.Confadate.com.  If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact me.

“ALL ABOARD” No matter if you are on the Orient Express, at the bow of a ship with a man that wants to be “King of the World” or in a cab trying to get from the air port to the conference center, you are a traveler.  So buckle your seat belts for some timely tips for a safe and happy excision.

Safety begins when you pack, did you know that?  To avoid being a target, don’t bring expensive (or expensive looking) jewelry or family air looms that you can’t replace.  Pack a purse with a strong leather bag that you can wear across you chest.  I know this might be the fashion statement you want to make but your passport, credit cards and other valuable documents are safest when carried this way. Naturally when you are at your hotel, the best place to store valuables is in the hotel safe.

 Use a covered bag tag to conceal your identity from strangers and mark your bags with a ribbon to make it easier to locate among the hundreds of other bags at baggage claim. Leave a copy of your itinerary  with a family member or friend in case they need to contact you. In addition, make photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, drivers license and credit card, and traveler check numbers and leave with a family member or friend.  I suggest you take only ONE credit card and be sure that you know your balance.  In some countries Americans have been jailed for not being able to pay a bill because there credit card was over the limit.  

Precautions to take when traveling abroad.

When you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country (or countries) you are visiting.  Before you leave home, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit.  A good source is the library, your travel agent, the embassies or tourist bureau of your destination. The Department of State’s Country Specific Information post warnings for American travelers that travel in a particular county is not safe. You can check out the list on the web…you REALLY don’t want to go to one the countries on that list. As soon as you get to your hotel, ask your concierge for the location of the American Embassy or Consulate just in case of emergency.  Naturally it is a good idea to stay clear of public demonstrations or other civil disturbances when over seas.
Keep all medicines in their original container. If your medicine is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need for the drug.
In some countries, Americans are perceived to be easy targets, so don’t travel alone, beware of scam artist and pick pockets, do not flash a large amount of cash, and do not discuss your travel plans with a total stranger.  Your concierge is the best source of information about must see places and the spots to avoid.  

Remember you are a guest in the country your are traveling  so honor their customs, enjoy their beauty, and use these safety tips and you will truly have a great time.

BYE-BYE

Identity theft,now that is a subject that will strike fear in the hearts of anyone who has a credit card or a banking account.  Just what is “Identity theft” or “Identity Fraud” and how can I avoid becoming a victim?  Well, fix yourself a cup of tea and let me enlighten you:

The basic definition of “identity theft” and “Identity fraud” is: A crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in a way that involves fraud or deception for economic gain.  

Unlike your finger prints that can not be used by anyone else, your Social Security number, credit card numbers,bank account numbers, cell phone or calling card number can be used to perpetrate an identity theft and fraud before you even know it.  The victim of identity theft and fraud can suffer loss of funds from their bank account or other financial accounts or, worse case scenario, have their identity sold to many bidders.  The perpetrator (s) can run up vast debts and commit crimes while using the victim’s name. The victim, in turn, may have to spend more money and a vast amount of time to clear her good name and restore her credit.  Ladies, many people just have no idea how little information a good thief needs to get all that he (or she) needs to steal your identity and make your life miserable.  How do I protect myself, my family and my business?  I thought you would never ask.

A professional will ” shoulder surf“, that is they will watch over your shoulder(or stand near by) as you enter your telephone calling card number or a credit card number, not to mention your pin.  Be aware of who is around you in airports, hotel lobbies, at a car rental company, and for that matter, WalMart.  If you feel uncomfortable because someone is in your space, terminate the phone call or, if you are on your cell, move away. When using that little devise where you swipe your credit card and enter your pin, stand where someone behind you can not see what numbers you are entering.  True they may be just as honest as you, but you never know.

Change your pin number often, write it down if you must to remember it, but keep it in a really safe place.  A friend of mine can never remember her pin for a few days after she changes it, so she writes the new one down, places it in a plastic bag then puts it under the kitty litter box.  Now I don’t recommend you going out and getting a cat for pin security purposes, but you get the idea.

If you have a shredder, USE it!  If not GET one!  They are relative inexpensive and can be purchased at almost any store.  You know those pesky “pre-approved” credit card things you get in the mail?  Shred them immediately!  A criminal can retrieve the information and get a card in your name. Some of the large companies have a safety  net in place where your have to call from your home phone to activate the card, but his is not a universal practice yet.
Besides shredded paper can double as (you guest it) kitty litter.

This one may be touchy, but if you have been in a relationship and he has your banking or credit card information and that relationship did not end on the happiest of notes, you might want to consider changing your accounts, or at the very least, take is name off of the accounts in writing.

In today’s computer crazed world, the Internet has become an appealing place for criminals to get identifying information such pass words and even account information using computer technology. Heck didn’t someone hack into NASA once upon a time? Unfortunately there is little you can do to protect yourself except DO NOT open any emails from ANY company or individual that you don’t know.  This helps protect your computer from virus as well. Please, if you do open one, DO NOT respond-that is what the delete key is for.

The more personal information you have on your checks, such as your Social Security or phone number, the more information your are giving to someone who may not need to know that much about you.

Be very careful of any caller who says they are from your bank or credit card company, especially if they ask for identifying numbers, these companies all ready have that information on file.  Check caller ID, and don’t answer the UNKNOWN calls.  If you do speak to someone who says they are from your banking institution or credit card company, call the company to verify that they actually need to speak to you and why.

When traveling, have the post office hold your mail until your return or arrange for a family member or close Friend to collect your mail daily.  This is good idea to deter buglers as well.  Only take one credit card on a trip, have the credit card companies emergency phone number tucked away in your suit case just in case.

Check your credit report regularly.  Contact your credit card companies IN WRITING requesting they contact you in the event that there is any unusual activity or a big ticket idem placed on your card.

Sadly even though you have done all of the right things to protect yourself, and you still have your identity stolen, now what? ( Let me just note here that I have made a list of needed phone numbers and address at the end of this article.  I recommend you paste, copy, staple and store them in the event you ever need to use them).

If you believe you are the victim of Identity theft, *Contact your bank and your credit card companies and cancel all cards.  Most companies have a report form for you to fill out, have them email or fax it to you so you can complete it right away and get it back to them.

*Call the fraud unit of the three principal credit reporting companies (see below)

*Contact the Social Security Administration.

*Under the Identify theft and Assumption Deterrence Act., the federal Trade Commission (FTC) is  responsible for receiving and processing complaints from people who believe they are the victims of a credit card theft or fraud. Their number is listed below.

*While you are on a roll, be sure to contact your local FBI office and your local police.  Keep all reports and documents generated from your claim in a file. Record the dates and names of the people you spoke to and a summary of the discussion.  Follow their instructions to the letter.  R

Identity theft is a crime that the victim may not be aware of until it is WAY to late and some victims never recover.  I is estimated that every hour, someone’s identity is stolen.  By following these tips and using your good common sense you can go along way to avoid becoming a victim or at lease minimizing the damage.

Resources for this article are.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Bank of America Fraud Prevention
Lots of experience

If you have any questions or have concerns, you can contact me at sandy@goldshieldli.com.  If I can’t help you, I can direct you to someone who can

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

 NUMBERS I HOPE YOU NEVER NEED:
Social Security Administration….. 1–800-269–0271
Federal Trade Commission….........1–877-438–4338
Equifax:

 Report a fraud…..................1–800-525–6285

 Request your credit report…......1–800-685–111

 Opt out of pre-approved offers…..1–888-567–8688
Experian (formerly TRW):

 Report a fraud…..................1–888-397–3742  

 Request your credit report…......1–888-EXPERIAN

 Opt out of pre-approved offers…..1–800-353–0809
TransUnion:

 Report a fraud…..................1–800-680–7289

 Request your credit report…......1–800-888–4213

 Opt out of pre-approved offers, send the request to:

 TransUnion, P.O. Box 97328, Jackson, Ms. 39238.
Note: As with all numbers, they are subject to change but these are the latest on file.

Curious?  Well, have you ever been in one, or more if these scenarios:

You need to hire someone to fix or service something in your home or on your property.

Single and need a room mate or your college age child needs to find one.

Working long hours and need a housekeeper or maid.

Have a new baby or want your children cared for at home and are looking for a nanny.

Got to get away and need a house sitter or pet sitter.

To cut cost you are thinking about joining or forming a car pool and don’t know the other drivers.

You want to locate someone to care for your elderly parents or other family member.

The list can go on and on.  In each of these scenarios it would be so nice to have access to affordable and professional background checks for your peace of mind…not to mention your safety and that of your family.
This is why I have expanded Confadate.  I welcome your comments and suggestions.