Who are you trying to fool
I had a message from my bank telling me there was a suspicious attempt to use my card and I should call them. “Ha”, I thought. “You can’t fool me with your scam messages, I’m going to ignore that”. Later on, there was another text…persistent these people, aren’t they? To be on the safe side, I called the bank (looking the phone number up rather than using the one that had been sent to me). Turns out it was genuine and they stopped my card.
This is the situation we find ourselves in with so many scams around. You start thinking that every warning is somebody trying to fool you. Actually it’s the same with all those glowing reviews on shopping sites too – is that just people / bots in China being paid to say nice things?
Much as the internet and messages on mobile phones have made our lives more convenient, this is anonymous communication meaning we can’t rely on our intuition. There’s no body language, eye contact or asking of probing questions when it’s all done electronically.
Still, in order to function as individuals and as a society, we have to have a level of trust. It’s the foundation of healthy relationships, collaboration and social stability.
The banks are not about to reopen branches and online shopping isn’t going away. We do need to be on our guard, but next time you are thinking of spending your money, call a local advertiser. They’ll let you look them in the eye!
EDITOR
The Go Local story
Independent & Proud
Go Local is an independent magazine and directory of truly local services for businesses and services covering Ripponden, Sowerby Bridge, Elland, Greetland, Stainland and Outlane.
Go Local was launched in 2005. The magazine aims to promote truly local businesses to local people – like yourself!
Local Values
“The magazine is run by me, Rachel, a local resident born and bred in Ripponden with plenty of help from our small team.
Having spent the first 15 years of my career working for large blue chip companies, I now love working locally for myself and getting away from the office politics and the rat race. I enjoy using my 25 years’ of experience helping local businesses get the right message and ad for them; service, honesty and value for money are my key principles.
Go Local isn’t part of a franchise or larger group, it’s an independent business. I love running the business as I’m naturally nosey and get to find out what’s going on locally!”