Article by Lana Johnson, CEO and Founder at VA Gladiators
Ah, the exhilarating world of hiring a VA – full of hidden gems who could save your biz life and, of course, the occasional scammer lurking in the shadows! But fret not, dear reader, we’ve got your back with some tips to help you unmask these sneaky villains. It’s time to put on your detective hat and get ready to spot those scammers like a boss!
The “Ghostly” Online Presence:
Picture this: you land on a potential virtual assistant’s website, and it’s eerily empty or looks like a haunted mansion from the ’90s. No testimonials, no reviews, nada! Beware of the ghostly online presence – genuine VAs are proud to flaunt their skills and showcase happy clients like shining trophies.
The “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Rates:
Beware of those VAs offering rates so low, they make you wonder if they’re running a charity! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers love to dangle the bait, but once they get their claws on your payment, they vanish faster than Cinderella limping on one glass slipper at midnight.
The “Mysterious” References:
Picture this: you ask for references, and suddenly, it’s like the case of the missing witnesses! Legitimate VAs will have their squad of happy clients ready to sing their praises. If your top pick shies away from sharing references, Sherlock your way to another candidate.
The “Vanishing Act” Video Call:
Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts– the tools of truth! Watch out for VAs who prefer to stay incognito. Insist on a video call to see their face and gauge their communication skills. If they pull a disappearing act, you’re better off finding a VA who’s not camera-shy.
The “Jack-of-All-Trades” Scam:
One thing for certain, and two things for sure; scammers love to put on a show, bending over backwards to tell you how they can do it all. But remember, even Olivia Pope had her limitations, that’s why she had a team of Gladiators! Look for VAs with genuine expertise in the skills you need. No acrobatics required!
The “Credentials Clue Hunt”: Enigma:
If you’re hiring a VA, and they hand you a “secret recipe” for payment involving goats, ancient rituals, and moonlit dances: red flag! If their payment methods seem more like a mystical side quest than a standard transaction, it’s time for a credentials clue hunt. Legitimate VAs will provide clear, professional invoices and follow standard payment practices. They won’t send you on a wild goose chase or ask you to perform magical feats before you can pay them. Stay sharp and seek VAs who make payment and Remember, your business is not a treasure chest for scammers to loot. Stick to the tried-and-true payment paths, and you’ll avoid any mystical mishaps along the way.
As you set sail on the thrilling voyage of hiring a virtual assistant, beware of these scammers lurking in the shadows. Armed with wit and wisdom, you can now spot these villains and protect your business from their mischief.
Your virtual executive assistant search is an adventure filled with hidden treasures – genuine professionals who will be your ultimate sidekicks in conquering your business challenges. So don your detective hat, be bold, and let the quest for your perfect VA begin.
Still feeling nervous? Let us guide you through your search and help you find the VA of your dreams! Sign up for our Chaos to Calm Consultation and come with a wishlist of tasks, or even a list of candidates to vet. We’ll work it out together in a one hour call to help you embark on a heroic journey to success!
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