There’s no day in this pandemic that I and many others can’t find something or one thing to be grateful for. The reality for some people out there is that it is 100x worst. This is something we hoped to just watch in the movies…like “I AM LEGEND” with Will Smith or “WORLD WAR Z” with Brad Pitt. Unfortunately, founders, we have gotten a glimpse of it.
My dear fellow founders, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and general public. The fact it’s not like Aliens came down and told us to stay indoors for the rest of our lives. It’s just a virus that’s only going to make us all wear PPEs in public. Who has a problem wearing PPEs in public?
Founders we need to rally together, rally your friends, rally your community and press for getting this economy going again because really all the billions of people around the world need is PPE, social, activities, peace, and stable revenue until there’s a vaccine. We can do this. But in the mean time these are some ideas and tips of things to do and watch out for.
IMPORTANT FYI:
- Be extra careful of unsolicited emails, irrelevant email that prompt you to click on an attachment or a link (make sure spam filters are working).
- Also double check the email address is accurate because some may try to spoof email address name
- Be on alert for attackers masquerading as the agency / authorities and asking for personal information supposedly in order to receive your business or personal check.
- Turning off your email client's option to automatically download attachments.
- Never reveal personal or financial information in an email, or respond to requests for it.
- If you use an Android phone or other smart phones be careful what apps, links, notifications you click on because you may get locked out and held for ransom by hackers.
- Make sure to backup all your devices, and have backup devices in case.
- Backup your contacts on a piece of paper and store in a secure spot.
- If you are going to donate money, food, etc go direct to source. For example go direct to redcross.org and make sure the site is secure with “https://”.
- Be extra careful of information, urls, engagement on social media platforms.
- Watch out for those who show overwhelming amount of perfect manners, flattery, charm, humor for unjustifiable situation
- Listen to facts and guts
- Watch out for text messages hoaxes, spam, and scams
- Get your news and information from a credible source
- Update your anti-virus program on your home computer and work computer daily if possible.
- Make sure sensitive information are encrypted.
- If someone or institute is preying on your fears, immediately speak to someone you trust on best way to address it.
- Be cautious if you’re being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.
- Scammers often spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding.
- Remember that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
- Visit and go direct to your local governments website for more tips to handle different situations properly.
- BE EXTRA ALERT!
For the Credible Founder, Help Your Community
- Only buy what you need, so everyone in your community can get what they need.
- Give to your local food bank. They all need help and contributions, especially those in communities hardest hit by COVID-19.
- Consider fostering or adopting a local family or child or elderly by providing some money for food, hygiene , cleaning supplies, etc
- If you want start a community garden in the neighborhood which people can take turns using
- With some gentle push remind your political leaders to make sure things are being done for the less fortunate
- Checkup on your neighbors both young and old and see if they are okay or need anything by still maintain your social distance
- You can even setup a private group on social media for your community however make sure it stays safe.
- Checkup with others and make sure people are maintaining good mental health, and reducing anxiety.
- Start a online reading club, exercise club, game club, movie night, poker club, etc
- Start a healthy safe competition
- Start writing a novel, sci-fi, romance, business, book
- Reach out to someone you know and knows you who lives far away.
- Be very kind to your assistants, nanny, housekeepers, cook and assist them in any way possible.
- Avoid any activity that could cause a major accident like playing soccer in a living room well unless you have a football size living room.
- Be respectful of the stocking personnel at the stores
- Don’t just shop from the big retailers. Show some support to the little businesses.
EXTRA TIPS FOR FOUNDERS
- And one thing we sometimes forget to do for others is spread some joy and spread some hope.
- Tell other founders to share their stories and experience.
- Ask other credible founders what do you need
- Help other founders come up with mission that's going to motivate them for a life time
- Show them how to take care of employees, prospects and customers
- Teach them how to use social media to engage and stay relevant.
- Support the Founders in your forum, community and online with relevant problem solving material like how to stay professional working from home, or how improve business even during uncertain times.
Spread Optimism!!! Cheers Founders! God Bless!
***Founders Under 40™ Group & GreatestFounders™ is here for Founders small and big. Male or Female. Religious or non-religions. Green thumbs or not. With 10000+ members together we can help create a great post covid 19 world.
EXTRA UPDATE
How to protect yourself
Here’s a checklist of actions to help avoid coronavirus scams:
Secure your Internet connection. If you’re working remotely, ensure that your home Wi-Fi network is secured with a robust password and, when possible, avoid public networks.
Use multi-factor authentication. This security process should be used for all of your personal email, banking and financial information and your Internet service provider. It requires two pieces of information to verify your identity, such as a password and a one-time code that’s texted or emailed to you.
Protect your information. Don’t give out your personal or financial information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth and bank account number. A legitimate charity, for example, won’t ask for this kind of information.
Be cautious of clicking. Never click on links in unsolicited emails or social media messages; they can release malware. A good practice is to ask yourself, “I didn’t ask for this, so why am I receiving it?” Fraudsters can create convincing fake websites; be wary and check the URL.
Do your research. Don’t assume pleas for help on social media or crowdfunding sites such as GoFundMe are legitimate. You shouldn’t text a payment to a charity without confirming the phone number on the charity’s official website. Before you give, see how watchdogs, like your state’s charity regulator, rate the organization. If you’re considering buying medical supplies online, check online reviews to ensure that you’re dealing with a legitimate company.
Don’t be pressured. A legitimate charity will welcome a donation whenever you want to make it. A government official won’t call and demand you pay a bill on the spot. Be wary if you receive a phone call, a text or an email from someone you don’t know demanding you act at once. If a caller asks for payment in a cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, or other unusual payment methods, such as gift cards, they’re not legitimate.
Avoid unusual forms of payments. Scammers often ask for payments in cash, wire transfer cryptocurrency or gift cards because they’re difficult to trace. Credit cards and checks are safer. Be wary if you’re asked to make a payment to a bank account that’s located in a different country than the company.
Listen to your gut. Be on guard for a “thank you” for a charity donation you don’t recall — scammers try to make you feel you already have a connection to them to lower your resistance to make another “donation.” If something feels wrong, don’t be afraid to validate the information with other reputable sources.
Keep close track. Keep records of your donations and regularly review your credit card account to make sure you weren’t charged more than you agreed to give or unknowingly signed up for a recurring donation. Set up alerts that tell you if there’s been any action on your accounts or transactions. Monitor and review your accounts daily and notify your bank immediately if something looks wrong or you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam.
Stay informed. Only use trusted sources — like verified news sites and official governmental organizations — to receive up-to-date information about COVID-19. The CDC and WHO are two trusted sources of information.
During times of uncertainty, scammers try to prey upon fear and frenzy. If you remain calm, collected and sensible, you can ward off their attempts to take advantage of the situation.
