DO NOT FALL PREY TO SCAMMERS!
HARRIS AT LARGE!
January 27, 2022
DO NOT FALL PREY TO SCAMMERS!
“Never invest in any scheme that is based on a metaphor, or anything with the word, “nextâ€, in it (e.g., “this kid is the next Elvis Presleyâ€, “this will be the Lake Lucerne of the Southwestâ€). You will lose your shirt.†― Clifford Cohen
While scammers are not new to our world, it is the number of scams and their intensity that bothers me. It is not possible to take a passive look at transactions anymore. You just can’t blink an eye. Slow down when it comes to dealing with monetary transactions. The scammers are looking over your shoulder.
Here are a few scams that caught my attention and I decided to share them with you. *COVID-19 Scams *Banking Scams *Telephone Scams, *Census-Related Fraud, *Government Grant Scams *Investment Scams *Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams *Charity Scams *Online dating hoaxes *Suspicious retailers *Bogus tech support *Government imposters *Fraudulent email solicitations *Work from Home Scams. There are many deviations to some of these scams.
Due to the anxieties that are very much a part of our lives today, there is a thriving business in Astrological Reading and Angelical Prayers for any difficulty being experienced in one’s life. I receive several of these personalised messages every day. The promoters of these types of businesses do not let up on you. They are consistent, hoping one day to break your resistance. Many times, I feel to report the promoters to Google or Facebook, only to remind myself that I might have given another promoter the authority to share offers with me through their email promotions. There are many Joint Venture promotions where third-party promoters are involved. Once you are on the World Wide Web (internet), it is quite possible to be targeted by unscrupulous persons who seek to extract money from others through some kind of illegal scheme.
A few days ago, my Facebook account was hacked and the hacker was offering a government grant programme that rewarded participants substantially but they must pay a sum of money upfront which ranged from US$200.00 to US$1,000.00. I sincerely hope that none of my friends sent them any money, although I did sense some degree of excitement in a few voices, only to be told by me it was a scam. In today’s world, no one should all for such offers. “If it sounds too good to be true, it always is.†Ricky Jay. Let no person unknown to you offer to give you money if you have to give them first. Just don’t fall prey to such scams.
The internet is busy with fraudsters whose only purpose is to satisfy their greed by causing financial harm to others. Persons in business must be extremely careful when executing bank transfers. There are scammers who will use suppliers’ email with a default extension to channel invoices and instructions/payments to their accounts. Unless you scrutinise the email address you will not be aware that the funds were redirected until your supplier begins to send you overdue reminders, then it is too late. While on the matter of doing business with overseas suppliers, it is necessary to do some degree of due diligence before commencing a business relationship with potential suppliers. Be wary of suppliers seeking direct payment in advance. Try to pay by letter of credit whenever possible. In some instances, it may be a good idea to get an inspector to verify the shipment prior to loading it on a vessel. Too often hard-working business persons are being deprived of their money by unscrupulous agents and suppliers.
In today’s fast-paced world, it is incumbent upon all those who seek to get involved in business-related matters to spare no effort in seeking advice from professionals such as Brokers, Attorneys at Law, and Accountants who specialise in their area of business. Membership in Trade Associations is vital to networking and seeking advice from fellow business persons. Keep up to date on developments in your industry by reading and attending business conferences and trade exhibitions. Readers are leaders and timely information keeps business persons ahead of the competition.
Scammers will become more aggressive as the world responds to the effects of COVID 19 and its variants as the economies of nations further tighten and their leaders grapple with inflation. Greed will cause many to disregard the need to be caring and use every opportunity to exploit others. Secure what you have and only seek to explore legitimate investment opportunities. Keep away from get-rich-quick schemes. Be careful how you engage with strangers online. They can be phishing to capture your information. Do not fall prey to scammers.
Stay Healthy, Stay Safe! Blessings!
Edward Harris
Freelance Journalist/Realtor/Business Consultant
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eaharrisdestiny
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Website: https://stluciagreatpropertydeals.com