Hi, I’m Doug Carey. My professional background lies in the world of nuclear power, where precision in human operation is paramount. The nuclear industry has been in the forefront of training in error reduction methods. For many years, I designed and delivered training for nuclear professionals, incorporating methods to minimize human error in decision-making at critical moments. This field is built on a deep understanding of how our thinking can be undermined, and how factors like stress and emotions can cloud our judgment. My expertise centres on creating training that cultivates mindful and analytical thinking to prevent mistakes. This focus on error reduction and careful consideration of subtle cues unexpectedly came into play during a personal experience.

My journey into the realm of fraud prevention began the day I almost fell victim to a seemingly simple online scam. It wasn’t some grand, elaborate scheme; it was an online ad, a good price on a high priced item I wanted. But something felt off. The distance from the item, the request for wire transfer – it just didn’t add up. Luckily, I was able to contact an expert at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre who validated my gut feeling with their careful analysis – it was a scam. And it got me thinking. What happens when we don’t have that expert on speed dial? What happens when we’re alone facing that pressure with those emotions?

Then, one day, it clicked. A scam, at its core, is about deceit, manipulating our thinking to exploit our vulnerabilities. I realized the techniques I’d used to train nuclear professionals – techniques honed to prevent critical errors – the very foundation of “Become Wise” thinking processes – could be applied to educate and protect us from scams.

‘Become Wise to the Scam’ is the practical application of this connection. It’s about providing you with the tools and understanding I wish I had possessed that day. It’s about fostering your ability to recognize red flags, trust your intuition grounded in careful thought, and making a wiser decision at a critical moment in time. 

While ‘Become Wise to the Scam’ addresses a critical and prevalent issue, these principles extend far beyond the realm of fraud. The ability to recognize cognitive biases, understand the impact of emotions on decision-making, and cultivate a deliberate approach to thoughtful consideration are foundational skills for navigating all of life’s complex choices. The mindful and analytical thinking that protects you from scams will help you make more informed and confident choices in all aspects of your life. This course is a starting point for managing a more discerning and effective way of thinking about the world around you.