I was the victim of a scam.

Yes, I take full responsibility. Because I did my due diligence. And then I ignored my conclusions.

So—you might wonder—how did that happen?

Someone reached out to me, offering a service. This was something I wanted, but did not know how to do for myself. The offer intrigued me, but I wanted more information. So, they sent a packet of documents describing what they do.

Basically—they said—I would send them my materials. Then, the CEO would reach out to his contacts. Some of them would sign on to the project. And then—I am not making this up—I should “expect great results!”

The documents even gave specific examples of the great results. So, I searched the internet for examples of the work. I didn’t find any. Then, I searched for people who may have acknowledged the company’s help. I didn’t find any of that, either.

Next, I phoned a senior colleague, someone who knew of this company. My colleague did not recommend the company. He did know several people who signed on for its service. But they were frustrated: work was late, reports were not forthcoming. Still, my colleague spoke in a generous way. He avoided the word “scam.”

Finally, I reviewed the contractual arrangements. There would be no formal contract. Instead, I should expect the service described in the documents. As soon as I paid in full, the service would begin.

Does it sound to you like a scam? Of course it does. That’s how it sounded to me, too. So, I phoned the company’s CEO, and asked him a few questions. He answered with platitudes.

So, guess what I did? Yep—I sent in a payment and signed up!

Why did I go ahead, despite my misgivings? Because I desire what they claim to be selling. And, somehow, allocating money to it makes it seem more real. From an emotional perspective, I invested in my desire.

Psychologically, then, this scam is also a kind of con. The company shows me something I would like to believe—but have no good reason to believe. So, I invest psychic energy in it. And thus, I convince myself it’s real.

In the end, I got only a fraction of the service I paid for. But, in terms of what I learned about my own psyche, I got my money’s worth. I just wish I had paid myself instead of the company.

One last thing. If Mike Morell from Speakeasy contacts you about your book…check with me first.