Back on the farm, we had a simple way of judging a man’s character. You watched how he treated his animals, how he spoke to his neighbours, and whether he showed up when he said he would. Trust wasn’t something you “gave” because someone had a fancy sign on their truck; it was something they earned through their actions over time.
Today, when we’re dealing with someone online, we can’t see their farm or watch them work. But the “smell test” still applies. If someone wants your business or your trust in 2026, they shouldn’t just tell you they’re honest—they should prove it.
1. They Give You a Straight Answer
If you ask a simple question and get a ten-minute sales pitch in return, that’s a red flag. A trustworthy person—whether they are a mechanic, a lawyer, or a guy selling a tractor—should be able to give you a clear, plain-English answer. If they are dodging your questions or trying to confuse you with “tech-talk,” it’s usually because they’re hiding a lack of substance.
2. They Aren’t Hiding Behind a Screen
I’ve lived in enough places to know that a real business has roots. If a website doesn’t tell you exactly where they are located or give you a real Canadian phone number you can call, they haven’t earned the right to talk to you. A legitimate person is proud of their work and doesn’t mind you knowing who they are and where to find them if things go wrong.
3. They Respect Your Time
A scammer is always in a rush. They want you to sign now, pay now, or decide now. They use “urgency” to stop you from thinking clearly. A person who actually values your trust will tell you to “sleep on it.” They know their offer is solid and will still be there tomorrow. If they are pushing you, they are doing it for their benefit, not yours.
4. They Stand Behind Their Word
In the old days, a bill of sale was your guarantee. Today, I look for a clear “out.” If a company doesn’t have a simple, easy-to-read return policy or a guarantee that they’ll make things right, then their word isn’t worth much. Trust is a two-way street; if they expect you to trust them with your money, they should trust themselves enough to guarantee their work.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to be a computer expert to stay safe. You just need to use the same “people skills” you’ve used your whole life. If the person on the other end of that email or phone call doesn’t “smell” right—if they’re too loud, too fast, or too vague—trust your gut and walk away. A handshake might be digital these days, but the character of the person behind it hasn’t changed.
Warmly,
Bill & Marilyn,
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
