May
28
Myanmar, China, and the Midwest
Filed Under Survival Skills
Incredible events around the world have transpired in the previous month or so. It seems almost every element of nature is causing crisis throughout the world. The media outlets barely start easing coverage of one event when something else catastrophic happens. I couldn’t even begin to compile a list of relevant news clippings, there’s just too many. Besides, if you don’t know what’s been going on, you probably aren’t reading this, have the Internet, television, or any friends whatsoever. It’s been that pervasive!
Considering the grave situation parts of the world are in right now (including parts of the U.S.), coupled with my recent experience with the first place I ordered my NutriMill at, well, it’s really depressed me a bit. I’m pretty sure this retailer has simply gone out of business, but still has a website for whatever reason. It’s hosted by a reputable source, their ordering system is through a company that would verify that sort of stuff, so I’m 95% sure I didn’t give my contact information to a dishonest entity, but it still gets me down.
It reminds me of an article I read talking about how scam artists use these natural disasters to their advantage, preying on the good nature of people who just want to help. It’s upsetting that we can’t just focus on continually preparing ourselves and helping others, but that we also have to keep sharp in uncovering dishonest conduct. The unfortunate truth however, is that times of crisis are when you are most vulnerable and susceptible to someone trying to take advantage of you (and you falling for it). I thought I’d point out a few of the things to watch out for, mainly for myself, but maybe it will help others too.
- Marketing. This can affect both the victims and givers. Givers will be asked to give money to ‘help’ those in need. Victims might be contacted offering aid for some sort of deposit. This could be over the phone, in person, through the Internet, etc… There are plenty or relief organizations you can support, you just need to be wary.
- Your possessions become worthless. To make the point (although hopefully an extreme example), this is akin to trading your nice plasma TV for a pack of toilet paper. In dire circumstances, the value of basic necessities skyrocket while ‘toys’ plunge. It may seem silly now, but if you’re without toilet paper for a week or more you might be singing a different tune and gladly give up that hunk of plastic and metal for something that is now a true luxury! The lesson here? Get prepared! Don’t put yourself in a situation where you need toilet paper or other basic necessities in the first place.
- Offers of help. While the majority of people will band together to help each other out in an emergency, there is certainly a dangerous minority that will be looking to take advantage of the situation. Whether they want money, possessions, food, sex, it doesn’t really matter. You have got to be cautious in accepting assistance after a disaster. Treat it like a friendly game of poker maybe. Remain courteous and helpful but keep your preparations, condition, etc… close to your sleeve.
Of course, identifying possible scams is the easy part. The hard part comes in avoiding them and maintaining yourself in a position where you aren’t put “over a barrel” where you have to stick your neck out there even though you have a bad feeling about it.
I know I’ve left some hazards out, but it’s a start. What are some of the ways you plan on avoiding being taken advantage of both in general life and during a crisis?