Easy Prey

When buying from Amazon, you might think that all products come directly from the manufacturer to Amazon warehouses. But that is not always the case. Learn how to spot potential counterfeit products and protect yourself and your brand on Amazon.

Today's guest is David Cooper. David is the CEO and founder of IPSecure, which is an innovative new way to protect your intellectual property on Amazon, control your sales channel, and ensure every purchase of your product on Amazon is a positive and reputable shopping experience. He has spent 20 years building and deploying brand protection solutions for hundreds of global brands such as the NFL, J&J, Apple, and Rolex.

Show Notes:

• [1:00] - David shares his background and information on his company IPSecure.
• [3:02] - eCommerce is huge, but is still only a fraction of the size of total retail.
• [4:42] - Solutions in this space are almost always legal.
• [6:35] - Finding counterfeiters has no impact but companies tend to measure how many are found. IPSecure measures everyone.
• [9:28] - You can't quantify how much risk was avoided.
• [11:01] - When a counterfeiter is taken down, more pop up.
• [12:30] - Brand protection is something David advises to add for customers.
• [14:12] - There are some universal signs of counterfeit products, but there are also some signs that are specific to Amazon.
• [15:43] - Amazon has a specific algorithm that chooses who sees what products. Check the store's profile.
• [17:32] - It is easy to be deceived on a marketplace site. David illustrates this with a Samsung camera purchase that was a parallel import.
• [19:42] - There is nothing wrong with buying and reselling something, but there is a gray market problem.
• [21:21] - These legal solutions are very expensive.
• [23:02] - Amazon is proactive in some areas, but generally speaking, they do not monitor products belonging to specific brands.
• [24:16] - For most brands, selling on Amazon is necessary.
• [25:19] - Even if a brand pulls out of Amazon, their products are likely still being sold on Amazon and that could be a liability.
• [28:49] - Instead of focusing on taking down other profiles and sellers, IPSecure focuses on building your own brand to be a successful one.
• [30:45] - While challenging, Amazon does more than any other company to help brands with this concern.
• [32:32] - People are much more aware of these concerns as Amazon has grown.
• [34:18] - Congress is taking a look at how Amazon runs, but there have been many distractions from these issues with the current world climate.
• [34:19] - It is very complex with a lot of moving parts. IPSecure integrates well with a lot of different platforms.
• [37:52] - Smaller businesses cannot afford to lose a sale to a counterfeiter and likely cannot hire a lawyer.
• [40:41] - David shares the story of a client whose business exploded after their product was on a reality show. Counterfeiters popped up very quickly.
• [43:33] - As a trademark owner, you are responsible for monitoring.
• [46:12] - Brand protection can actually increase revenue.

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The CDC states that since the Covid-19 pandemic began, one in every three children has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder such as anxiety or ADHD. It is more important than ever to learn how and to teach techniques to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Today's guest is Dr. Michele Borba. Dr. Borba is an internationally renowned educator and award-winning author of 24 books. She is a motivational speaker having spoken in 19 countries on 5 continents and has served as a consultant to hundreds of schools and corporations like Sesame Street, Harvard, The US Air Force Academy, and the Royal Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Dr. Borba is an NBC contributor who has been on countless shows including Today, Dateline, Dr. Oz, Anderson Cooper, CNN, and more. Her work is featured in Time, Washington Post, Newsweek, Boston Globe, US News and World Report, and many others.

Show Notes:

• [1:30] - Dr. Borba started her career as a special education teacher and has learned how resilient kids truly are.
• [4:03] - We can't point the finger at one specific cause. We need to focus on what to do about it.
• [5:07] - Dr. Borba describes a study done over the course of 40 years.
• [6:25] - What are the things we need to teach to help manage anxiety or prevent it?
• [8:35] - Connect with teachers. Kids act differently at school than they do at home.
• [9:33] - Teachers see trends in behaviors in their class.
• [10:16] - A major change in society is that getting mental health services is more acceptable.
• [11:23] - Give kids a range of ideas to help your children.
• [13:12] - When you suggest a hobby, it isn't a sport or activity that you have to add to the agenda. It is something they choose to do.
• [14:37] - Hobbies, pets, music, etc. can be tools that work for some kids.
• [15:29] - Everyone has a different stress sign.
• [16:18] - Dr. Borba shares a breathing technique great for both kids and adults.
• [18:21] - By learning these strategies, kids can build muscle memory.
• [20:21] - Thrivers have the tools to pull from to deal with stress.
• [21:44] - Your voice and family mantra can become your child's inner voice.
• [23:00] - Volunteering helps build hope and empathy.
• [25:03] - There are many ways to build empathy but be intentional.
• [26:34] - Teach emotional literacy.
• [27:50] - Many social skills are in dormant mode right now.
• [29:03] - Kids can also feed off the stress of their parents.
• [30:18] - Our society tends to focus on performance which can add levels of stress.
• [33:32] - Kids are becoming ruder and civility needs to be retaught.
• [36:10] - Empathy is a super power and is the glue that holds society together.

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We are living in a world where AI can do many of the things people have been doing, thus creating an opportunity for us to create and do something new. Not understanding this transition can leave us unnecessarily exposed to risk. Today's guest is Howard Getson. Howard is the President and CEO at Capitalogix. He runs an algorithm hedge fund and the data science company that powers it. Capitalogix created a revolutionary financial technology platform that uses adaptive AI to maximize performance with real time insights. His prior company, Intelligent Control which he founded in 1991, was an Inc. 500 company and won an IBM award for Best Business Application. Howard is currently on the advisory counsel over a bio ethics and research institute.

Show Notes:

• [1:16] - Welcome to the show, Howard! He shares his background and what he does currently with Capitalogix.
• [3:00] - People are interested in things like AI and automation because they want to amplify intelligence.
• [4:26] - This technology gives entrepreneurs amazing opportunities to provide value.
• [5:20] - How did AOL change the technology landscape? People are good at knowing something is about to change.
• [6:40] - Think about 3 pieces of technology that already exist that you know are going to change the landscape in the next few years.
• [7:57] - It's not a question about something being created but rather what implications it has.
• [9:43] - Even though we knew the internet would be big, we didn't think about the consequences or the role they themselves would play.
• [11:05] - You don't have to be the person to create the technology, but how can you find opportunities in the future?
• [12:14] - What happens when AI gets smarter than us? Howard says it already is.
• [14:04] - Howard shares a personal story that demonstrates how technology has gotten so good so fast that scams are moving quickly.
• [16:44] - As we get these technologies, it frees people up to do more.
• [18:40] - What impact do these technologies have on false information?
• [19:24] - Technology is going to learn how to lie as a strategy.
• [21:04] - Data is the biggest problem AI sees right now.
• [22:47] - You want AI to create new opportunities not to relieve you of things you do so you can do nothing.
• [23:46] - Howard doesn't try to predict technology, but rather human behavior.
• [25:22] - It's not about what it does, but rather what it makes possible.
• [27:20] - Current technology then becomes a prototype for something new.
• [28:35] - With AI, the result is exponential results. There are 3 key drivers to make that happen.
• [30:36] - Data science is about finding a profound truth hidden by noise. Discover is an important verb.
• [32:49] - Build, scale, and refine.
• [34:25] - Knowing something worked is different from knowing it is currently working.
• [36:33] - Text "AI" to 972-992-1100 for a presentation on the methodology.
• [37:50] - Howard believes that everyone will be able to leverage AI in the next 25 years.
• [39:18] - We live in a world that gets faster and better everyday.

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Too often people seek training after they've had an encounter or violent situation. Criminals look to exploit us for one thing that we all possess. Listen on to find out what that is. Today's guest is Tim Larkin. Tim is the founder and creator of Target Focus Training and is well known for self-defense and close combat training. During the last 20 years, he has trained not only law enforcement, the US Navy Seals, Army Special Forces, and the US Border Patrol, but also corporate clientele from around the world. He is an author and a public speaker in over 40 countries. Show Notes:

• [0:52] - Tim describes his background and how he found himself passionate about combat and combat training.
• [2:43] - Initially, Tim's goal was to become a Navy Seal.
• [3:39] - Tim's eardrum was busted during a dive with the Navy Seals, and he lost control of his body. This injury changed his career trajectory.
• [6:02] - Because of his extensive training in hand-to-hand combat, Tim became involved in a different program.
• [7:50] - At the time of 9/11, Tim began working with civilians.
• [9:02] - You should always be proactive.
• [10:58] - Mentally, the injury was devastating for Tim.
• [13:29] - None of the experiences he has had would have happened if he had the traditional Seal career he planned on.
• [16:26] - Once someone experiences something challenging, they then become proactive to make it not happen again.
• [17:49] - The biggest threat is the smartphone.
• [19:18] - To demonstrate this danger, Tim shares the story of a bus robbery. You can watch the video here.
• [21:49] - Behavior with your phone becomes second nature.
• [23:04] - We spend our downtime on the smartphone, but Tim always keeps one ear out.
• [26:03] - There are tons of positives about smartphone technology, but in public, it can be used against you.
• [27:46] - Tim shows how to detect a possible predator with a personal anecdote.
• [30:41] - We can't pick out predators. It is impossible to tell as they blend in.
• [32:15] - Tim interacts with everyone assuming they are violent to ensure safety.
• [33:26] - As a society, we can get away with a lot of different types of social interactions, but anything you do or say can trigger someone else.
• [35:33] - If you understand the predator's role, everything is backed up by the possibility of violence.
• [38:10] - Highly recommended is Robert Green's book Law of Human Nature.
• [39:59] - Study human behavior and you'll learn about others and yourself.
• [42:00] - When is it okay to use the tool of violence? When you are devoid of choice.
• [43:15] - Women tend to me more in tuned to non-verbal cues than men.
• [44:36] - The more you learn about human nature, you have these tools you can reference.
• [46:10] - Tim gives some examples of when violence is the answer.
• [48:29] - When your life's on the line, you need to have tools at the ready.
• [50:03] - There are parts of the body that you simply cannot protect. The goal is to take the brain out of the equation.
• [52:00] - For criminals, violence is their currency.
• [53:51] - Tim explains what cause state is.
• [56:12] - Your brain is incredible and if you give it permission, it will solve problems.

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Money is not the only reason somebody can be taken hostage. It's important to know the other motives for how and why targets are selected. Today's guest is Rachel Briggs. Rachel has spent the last two decades as a writer, analyst, and strategist working with corporations, governments, and international NGOs developing security. She was the first director of Hostage International and the founding executive director of Hostage US. Rachel co-chairs the European commission's group that is working on tackling online extremism. The report she wrote, "The Business of Resilience," has become the blueprint for corporate security management. Show Notes:

• [1:03] - Rachel shares her background and how a personal experience of a family member being taken hostage impacted her future.
• [2:50] - One type of hostage situation is political hostage taking.
• [3:49] - Economical hostage cases are what happens most often.
• [4:30] - Hostage diplomacy is a third type that creates negotiation pressure.
• [5:19] - Latin America is more of a hotspot for kidnapping and Rachel points out Colombia and Mexico as predominant locations.
• [6:26] - Political kidnapping is most common in Middle Eastern and African countries.
• [7:24] - Common targets are those who are the ones who run towards danger such as journalists.
• [8:50] - Rachel describes another type of target that applied to her family member who was taken in the 90s.
• [11:27] - People on vacation being picked up as a hostage are not as common, but it isn't unheard of.
• [13:01] - The experience of being held against your will is never a pleasant experience, but the way you are treated varies.
• [15:00] - Hostage takers operate as a business in some situations.
• [18:07] - The statistics of hostage taking are very underreported.
• [20:33] - These crimes prey on the desperation to get a person home.
• [22:21] - Stopping the payment of ransoms is not the answer to stopping kidnappings.
• [24:05] - There are many different ways to make an exchange of money for ransom.
• [25:33] - It is rare and dangerous, but sometimes a hostage escapes their situation or is rescued by military operations.
• [27:21] - There are resources that list dangerous locations.
• [28:45] - Insurance for kidnapping and hostage is available.
• [30:59] - After the events in Syria in 2014, groups have been created to provide this insurance to freelance journalists.
• [32:33] - Every situation is different, but Rachel describes the commonalities in how families cope.
• [35:37] - There are issues that families experience that we don't think about being a problem.
• [37:42] - There are now strategies being implemented in large corporations.
• [39:18] - What is virtual kidnapping?
• [42:27] - The psychological impact can be long lasting and significant.
• [43:22] - While underreported, kidnapping and hostage taking are more common than we think.

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When the internet began, trust was implied. But today, how can you know who or what to trust on the web? Today's guest is Steve Gibson. Steve has participated in the PC industry since its inception. He authored InfoWorld's top rated Tech Talk column for eight years and he produces the TWiT Network's weekly Security Now podcast in its 17th year. He developed a working replacement for the username and password site known as QRL and is best known for his 35 year old SpinRite mass storage and data recovery and maintenance utility which he continues to develop. Show Notes:

• [1:14] - Steve shares his background starting in the 70s.
• [2:41] - A personal experience inspired Steve to create SpinRite.
• [5:03] - When the internet was created, Microsoft wasn't on board. They rushed the solution when they realized it was necessary.
• [6:06] - Because there was no firewall, people could see anyone's C drive.
• [7:49] - In the beginning of internet use, there was implicit trust.
• [10:01] - Internet security has very complicated problems.
• [12:37] - We've created a complicated and constantly changing system.
• [14:03] - Steve's podcast is geared towards those who implement security solutions for consumers.
• [15:40] - In many ways, the internet is "consumer hostile."
• [18:43] - The system is so fundamentally prone to abuse that end users hope for the best.
• [21:10] - Steve and Chris continue to print authentication and recovery codes.
• [23:35] - The reason we've gotten into this mess is because in the beginning, the internet wasn't very useful.
• [24:43] - The most commonly used password is still 123456.
• [26:39] - Password requirements make things even more complicated because everything constantly changes and every site is different.
• [29:01] - Steve shares what he thinks can help the industry, starting with certifications.
• [31:21] - Things are improving in some areas, including the federal government stepping in to regulate some things.
• [33:18] - Steve discusses regulation pros and cons.
• [35:12] - The internet has revolutionized efficiency and potential.
• [38:54] - There should be courses on how to search the internet for things.
• [40:26] - It is important to continue improving this powerful tool.

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Many people have lost money trying to grow their wealth, but how do you know when an investment is too good to be true? Today's guest is Justin Donald. Justin is the host of the Lifestyle Investor Podcast and author of the bestselling book Lifestyle Investor: The Ten Commandments of Cash Flow Investing for Passive Income and Financial Freedom. He consults and advises entrepreneurs, executives, and successful media personalities on lifestyle living. Justin has also appeared on nearly 100 podcasts including Entrepreneurs on Fire, The Mike Dillard Show, Making Bank, The Accelerated Investor, and Unbecoming. Show Notes:

• [1:02] - Through his company Lifestyle Investor, Justin teaches others how to create a lifestyle that is compelling and purposeful.
• [3:31] - Justin's mission is to help people buy their time back.
• [4:34] - In many cases, people have lost millions of dollars in poor investment decisions.
• [5:51] - If you want to build wealth, you need to have a strong ecosystem.
• [6:53] - A lot of people in financial services are not in alignment with their clients and the system is manipulative.
• [8:40] - Justin didn't start out asking specific questions and now he always asks those in financial services.
• [10:02] - You have to do your own work and math to make sure things are not manipulated.
• [11:10] - There are incredible opportunities to make money but also to lose money. Not all projects are the same.
• [13:10] - ICOs are super high risk and Justin advises to avoid them.
• [14:11] - If something is guaranteeing returns, it's a red flag. There's always some form of risk.
• [15:26] - Justin admits that he has lost money in situations where he didn't see the signs in time.
• [17:49] - There are some red flags to look for and Justin shares some examples.
• [21:42] - Having cash flow is important first and then investing becomes safer.
• [23:29] - Almost every business partnership is going to end at some time and 90% or more of them end poorly.
• [25:58] - Always have open conversations and express concerns when making decisions.
• [27:56] - Justin also advises to be careful that you aren't buying another job and you are looking for passive income.
• [30:51] - What is a targeted return?
• [32:13] - Don't be lured in by a good targeted return. Justin advises on what to look at instead.
• [34:38] - You want to know how your investments will do if things don't go according to plan.
• [36:17] - Justin gives an example to illustrate how returns work.
• [37:50] - Justin is offering his book free to listeners by going to his website LifestyleInvestorBook.com.

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Negotiating doesn't just take place in hostage situations or in big board rooms. You can end up in conversations exchanging the commodity of your time without even realizing you are in a negotiation. Listen on to learn how to be more aware of these interactions.

Today's guest is Chris Voss. During Chris's 24 years of FBI experience, he was trained in the art of negotiation not only by the FBI but by Scotland Yard and Harvard Business School. He is the former FBI Lead International Kidnapping Negotiator. Chris is the author of the negotiating bestseller Never Split the Difference and is the founder and CEO of The Black Swan Group. Chris has taught business negotiation in the MBA programs and has been an adjunct professor at numerous schools of business. He has used his many years of experience to develop a unique program and team that applies these globally proven techniques to the business world.

Show Notes:

• [1:20] - Chris Voss shares his background and how he got into understanding negotiation skills.
• [2:38] - In his book, Chris presents strategies in specific actionable language.
• [4:20] - There are times when you are negotiating and you don't know it.
• [6:22] - We often think that negotiations always include money, but time and implementation are also commodities.
• [7:16] - The second you want something, you are in a negotiation.
• [8:11] - Chris explains the results of experimenting with changing the yes questions to no questions.
• [10:08] - The skills in The Black Swan Method are neutral.
• [12:50] - If you have a bad feeling, proceed with caution. The more you question, the stronger your instinct will be.
• [14:31] - Chris Voss describes The Black Swan Method and its solid foundation of skills.
• [16:20] - Your gut instinct is probably pretty good. Listen to your feelings and think about using the skills to test your gut instinct.
• [18:30] - Your subconscious can process much more than your conscious mind.
• [20:30] - Chris Voss demonstrates how anger impacts your decisions.
• [22:05] - Strategic umbridge is when someone purposefully makes another person angry during negotiation.
• [25:01] - Dynamic silence is an appropriate response to bringing another's emotions back down.
• [28:20] - Decision fatigue is something that needs to be factored into negotiation.
• [29:57] - What is the science behind responding to no-oriented questions?
• [32:32] - There is a better solution than splitting the difference.
• [35:02] - What is the craziest negotiation Chris was involved in?
• [36:01] - 20% of the business deals presented are fake opportunities.
• [38:57] - It is more impactful and profitable to have a relationship.
• [40:11] - Chris Voss describes an impossible to fulfill request in a hostage situation in the early 2000s.
• [41:01] - Stop using the term "pick your brain" when asking for something.
• [42:06] - It is important to show empathy.

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Would it shock you to know that over 1 million children under the age of 9 have had their identity stolen in the last year alone? It is important to be aware of how this can happen and what you need to do to prevent it from happening to your children.

Today's guest is Kelli Grant. Kelli is currently Senior Editor at CNBC and was the Senior Consumer Reporter at Marketwatch and Smart Money. Kelli has earned the certified financial planner designation which recognizes financial advisors who meet education, experience, and ethics requirements, and have passed tough industry exams. Her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Kipplinger's Personal Finance, Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, and other publications.

Show Notes:

• [1:15] - Kelli shares her background and expertise in the field.
• [3:07] - What is the difference between identity theft and fraud?
• [4:12] - Identity theft of children happens mostly through forms and paper.
• [5:56] - In some cases, organizations that need private information in records don't know how to manage it safely.
• [7:38] - In many cases, organizations that ask for a Social Security Number don't even need it. Kelli advises leaving it blank first to see if they ask for it.
• [9:42] - Double check the questions being asked that may seem unimportant.
• [11:45] - Children are attractive targets of identity theft because it goes undetected for years.
• [13:47] - A blank slate can be manipulated into anything.
• [16:14] - Kelli lists some of the red flags that a child's identity has been compromised.
• [18:01] - Kelli explains the pros and cons of freezing your child's credit until they need it.
• [20:08] - Freezing credit is not fool proof and does not prevent all fraud and theft.
• [23:01] - Experts say they see more frequent attempts at Familiar Fraud during times of economic distress.
• [26:51] - Include your children in conversations about keeping private information safe and secure and how to spot a scam.
• [28:42] - Children shouldn't necessarily know their Social Security Number until they are teens applying for jobs or financial aid.
• [29:41] - Be aware when data breaches take place and take the steps to keep your information safe.
• [31:50] - Cleaning up identity theft is very messy and difficult. Kelli explains that there are some insurance policies that are good resources.
• [34:01] - Insurance policies are easily available due to the high need.
• [35:18] - Leave certain pieces of information off of forms and don't even mention it unless the organization asks.

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• The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity by Axton Betz-Hamilton

Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to take advantage of people and going after something everybody uses, like household utilities, can be lucrative for them. Today's guest is Amy Livingston. Amy is a freelance writer who has written on personal finance and consumer issues for Money Crashers and Consumer Search. Her personal blog Eco Frugal Living focuses on ways to save money and live green at the same time.

Show Notes:

• [0:51] - Amy shares her background and how she found herself writing about avoiding scams.
• [2:20] - Amy describes a utility scam that she actually experienced and the red flags.
• [3:53] - Scammers who go door to door often pose as someone from the power company.
• [7:12] - If someone comes to your door, ask for verification that they are who they say they are.
• [8:49] - Another door to door utility scam could happen by "paying a commission" to have your power restored faster if it has gone out.
• [10:54] - Home security scams can happen door to door but also through the phone or email.
• [12:00] - A home security scam that happens is when a scammer poses as someone from your security company.
• [14:40] - People who are legitimately from your home security company will not ask for your code or password.
• [18:00] - Chris compares current utility scam slamming to the long distance scams of the past.
• [19:03] - The unpaid bill scam is another common one that takes advantage of the target's sense of urgency.
• [20:29] - An automatic red flag is any time someone asks for an untraceable form of payment.
• [22:05] - You cannot always trust the number that comes up on your caller ID.
• [25:23] - Any time you get a call from a financial institution, hang up and call the company they claim to be from.
• [27:11] - Amy describes a federal aid scam that targets people who need assistance.

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