??SCAM WARNING!! TO THE CARE SECTOR, FREELANCERS, AND BEYOND??

Sadly, this isn't my usual positive newsletter, and I'm really sorry about that.

I’ve always been proud to work in the #caresector. It’s an industry built on trust, kindness, and genuine care for others - a place where integrity matters deeply.

So, when I was recently approached by a company claiming to help care home owners sell their businesses for the best possible price, I took the work in good faith.

They needed brochure copy, and I poured my heart into the project, ensuring the words reflected what they claimed to stand for.

But something didn’t sit right.

Payment was delayed. Then delayed again. And before I knew it, I was chasing an invoice that I now realise I’ll likely never see paid.

At first, I thought it was just bad luck - one bad client in an otherwise great career. But the more I heard, the more I realised this was part of a much bigger picture.

Stories started to emerge - not just from care home owners and care sector professionals, but from others in different industries.

The same individual, “David,” seems to have rolled up other businesses, including accountancy practices and even marketing consultants, website designers, and others, bleeding them dry of their sector knowledge, leaving a trail of unpaid invoices, broken promises, and financial devastation in his wake.

It’s heartbreaking to think that my carefully crafted words - written to support and uplift this sector - could be used to further a scam. Worse still is the thought that if care proves to be a no-go, he’ll simply move on to another industry, preying on the trust of others.

David's feedback on my writing was that I needed to be more “ruthless” and “make them scared.” Something I flatly refused to do.

I can’t name him fully for legal reasons, but if you’ve been approached by someone offering to help you sell your business or roll up your operations- whether in care or elsewhere - please tread carefully.

Do your homework, verify their credentials, and above all, trust your instincts.

If you think it might be the same “David,” contact me directly, and I’ll provide the information you need to make an informed decision.

And to the scammer in question, let me say this...

Your biggest mistake was underestimating the people in this industry.

Mistaking our kindness for weakness? Big mistake. HUGE. This sector has been to hell and back and come back fighting - that takes an extraordinary bunch of resilience, more than you’ll ever know.

Let’s look out for each other and make sure no one else falls victim.

Let’s make sure everyone hears about this.

Please SHARE THIS POST, warn your colleagues, and stay vigilant. Together, we can make a difference.

Becky x