For the past year or so, greed has been popping up all over the place like dandelions in a vacant lot. Lately, I've encountered blatant attempts to sway and pressure me into buying products, services and even (sigh) signing up for credit cards. Due to This Recession's continuing lack of jobs and creeping inflation (i.e. grocery store prices), some people who might normally go about their business, suddenly seem hell-bent on padding their incomes with pie-in-the-sky promises or suspicious referrals that could include kick-backs. These people are exhibiting the sick signs of greed when they selfishly put their interests above what's fair and right.

As we agree (you and I), in This Recession, money does not grow on trees nor can it be produced in great quantities by a magician (the U.S. Mint). Therefore, it is vital for us to be on the lookout now for people attempting to induce us to hire their friends or take their suggestions regarding services and companies. Of course, our trustworthy friends have good referrals to make; but acquaintances may be another story. In order to avoid being a victim of a greedy 7-letter-word, you must literally grow a new set of eyes in the back of your head. So here's what I suggest as 5 steps to combat this contagious ailment.

1. When it comes to hiring a service or a contractor, always get a second, third or even fourth quote before signing up. You can save your self a lot of agony by checking the going rates of services in your area (it many cases, it should be lower than last year). You can visit the internet to "YELP" consumer opinions on services like movers or restaurants. I have found Yelp to be reliable and helpful, but you must also do your homework if you want to get the best service for the best price. Do not let some one else's self-interest steer you wrong.

2. If the person who refers you to a product or a service insists that you follow his/her recommendation, smell a halibut, because something fishy is going on. This happened to me several times lately - not only for services but for products. In one situation where I was shopping for carpet stretching and cleaning; the first referral, from a supposedly reputable source, was 3 times higher than what I eventually paid. I suspected a kickback, because the first quote was so outrageous and when I went with someone else,my acquaintance stopped talking to me.

3. Avoid sales people who pitch they can help you make money fast. These sales people are more popular than ever - many of them promoting pyramid schemes or home-sales or telephone soliciting. Be sure to check out the track records of those approaching you. If the promise involves a new company or one without a history, beware. This idea may be based more on their greed than your need. Recently, a neighbor approached me with a get-rich-quick scheme that involved recruiting people to sell a type of legal insurance. It was a pyramid scheme, although my naive neighbor only saw the dollar signs for her and for me (her recruit). That business idea is another form of greed. I know she meant me no harm, but her excitement could have been contagious. There are very few ways to get rich fast, especially in This Recession.

4. Fact-check people promising to hire you - especially if they suggest starting on a trial basis for little or no money or working from home. There are, of course, many legitimate home-based businesses and employers, but there are also many who may be promising work they can't deliver. Never give our your personal information to any of these people - no matter how perfect the job or the opportunity seems ("Be a model on TV" or "make $5,000 a week from your home"). By searching the companies or the people, by name, on the internet, you are likely to find some reference to them - good or bad. If there is no reference at all, be concerned. And there is another greedy gambit that can snare job seekers. A family member, applying for a creative job, was asked to bring along a creative design to her interview. She didn't get the job, but the design showed up in a store window several months later. I have heard this story from different people about different job interviews. Apparently, this is one way some businesses have to get free help without feeling any obligation to the people who only want jobs. Unconscionable.

5. Do not telegraph your dire straits to strangers. Greedy people can see the desire in your eyes, like professional poker players hoping for a fat cat (whale) to sit in at their card game. It's human nature to want to make the most out of something, and those who gamble also bear responsibility for losing out to greed. But consider the fact that during This Recession, many people have become more like card sharks, as they seek an easy way to pad their income or prop up their businesses. Be aware this is an ugly trend we are like to see more of until the economy eventually improves.

Greed does not evaporate. In good times, greed thrives, as well. But bad times seem to bring out the worst in many people. You can save money and avoid the pitfalls that greed always produces by cost-comparing and checking references before opening your wallet or divulging personal information. There is nothing of lasting good that greed ever produces. Ask Bernard Madoff's client/victims.