Whenever there is an election year, a downward spiral in our economy, and a potentially dangerous outbreak, such as the coronavirus, we are all affected. We hold on to the reporter’s words, we fact find and we communicate our concerns with one another. The water cooler talk at work is topic-specific depending on what is happening in the world. We are so focused on what may or may not affect us regarding world events, we let our guards down regarding day to day life. All we want is to protect our families, our jobs, and make sure that we take every precaution to avoid any type of catastrophe. Basically, we attempt to take measures to avoid being negatively affected.
Searching for answers is what we do daily. We are constantly perusing databases, making sure we obtain the best information for our Clients. No, we can’t predict who will win the election, but we can conduct deep background checks. We can’t control the economy, but we can determine if someone has hidden financial assets. We can verify information obtained from water cooler talks, i.e. if what is said is true or just a rumor, is the candidate running for office covering up negative information, is someone’s spouse cheating, is the cell phone you are using bugged, is someone listening to private conversations, does that employee have an alcohol/drug addiction?
During times of crisis is when people are taken advantage of. Emails, texts or calls are made to unsuspecting individuals attempting to obtain personal information to be used unscrupulously. These requests are made in a manner to deceive us. We become so immersed in world events that we momentarily let our guard down with the belief someone is trying to help us, when in fact, any information we provide could be used against us.
Examples: You may be requested to provide information regarding the following:
Election Year: You may be asked your Political Party Preference, to verify your address to determine the correct voting district and/or asked your district, your household income, if any other registered voters are in the household or general information not known to the requester.
Economy: You may be asked about your current retirement plan, your mortgage, banking information, job status, etc. Any request for this information should never be provided to the requester.
Health: HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects us. We do not have to provide any health information to anyone without our written authorization. Never, under any circumstances give your information by phone, email or text unless you know for sure who is requesting it.
Please note, that not all requests are made to find information about us, but we should never talk freely to anyone asking for personal information without first verifying the legitimacy of the requestor. Pre-texting is a form of getting private information from unsuspecting individuals. The examples above are ways of pre-texting, impersonating an organization to attempt to obtain information not publicly reported and/or attempting to verify information in an unethical manner.
All in Investigations, Inc.
Brenda McGinley, CEO
