How to Spot a Scammer in Retail

Con artists show up in your store during opportunities times. Whenever they think they can find an associate that hasn't gotten into their groove yet basically. This could be during a shift change, right when the store opens, right before the store closes or during a busy rush.

Scam operators choose their victims carefully. They discriminate. Very young, or very old females are choice. As are new employees or shy employees. Basically someone that appears to be vulnerable.

Scam operators are "nice" people. They're charismatic and overly complimentary. They can be very agreeable for most of the interaction, this is to make you let your guard down and trust them. Scammers put a lot of thought into their appearance, they want to blend in, not stick out. They also want to appear powerful, so they may dress in expensive looking clothing. They might also try to prove their power or wealth by showing off. For instance, I once had a man show me his glasses frames and say "I bought these for $1000". No he didn't, because I've never seen a frame more expensive than $550 and those were Chanel. He also said they were Japanese, but they were actually German.

Scam operators try to confuse you. The deal starts off simple, but he/she makes a slight change... it's not too major but they complicate the process a little bit. Then he/she needs you to make another change, now things are getting too complicated but you're trying to be accommodating to this nice customer, who is about to spend a lot of money. The scam operators might even go so far as to spend a lot of money but then suddenly he/she wants a refund because he/she changed their mind, or you did something "wrong". What they're really trying to do is make your job so complicated and frustrating that they get you to a point where you just want to end this and give them what they want. Do NOT do it.