A reader recently wrote me, "I'm a new Virtual Assistant. To attract clients I'm advertising my services on Craigslist. I've been getting a lot of replies, but some of them sound iffy. This one man wants me to do "check processing" for a commission. He says he's a lawyer, but his emails have a lot of spelling errors. Are these red flags?"
Craigslist is a marvelous tool for many things, but, as this VA is discovering, it's not necessarily an optimal place to advertise for clients. (VAs are usually better off approaching small businesses and other prospects directly.) You're liable to receive a mixed bag of replies, from legit to dubious and beyond.
"Check processing" is a common scam (you receive a "cashier’s check" – to go "mystery shopping," for example – deposit it and wire funds to the hirer, and keep a "commission" or "leftover funds," only to find that the check was fraudulent, and you're on the hook with your bank). Although I'd need more detail in this case to be certain "beyond the shadow of a doubt," it sounds mighty fishy, particularly when paired with claims of attorney status and spelling errors.
(Of course, going to law school is no guarantee of good spelling. It merely guarantees that you can distinguish between identical things, argue with people for no apparent reason, and speak authoritatively on any topic at cocktail parties and other noteworthy endeavors. I should know; I'm a lawyer (well, rehabilitated now) myself.)
As I mentioned to her, the VA should take a pass on this one.
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