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Here are some of the common scams going around online. Probably you’ve been a victim before or were about to. Well, take a look to and get informed:
Jobs and advertisement Scams
Some of the online jobs advertisements, especially on social media are scams. Any job posting that seems lucrative with little effort, be careful of it. The “job” might require you to purchase a product from their “distributors”; or for you to send a signed blank cheque or anything…
In most cases, no legit hiring companies will ask you for anything, other than your qualifications, in form of a CV.
Any business asking for your own money upfront, be wary of such.
Marketing Consultants “Gurus”
Online training courses, eBooks, etc.
Most online “mentors” and consultants claim to have the ability to teach you about money and success. They play tricks on you, by posing as successful and giving motivational talks, etc. Some of them grew rich via leveraged income, not budgeting and saving little bits of money.
Not every TV show or online video and blog you read about money and success is true. Always ask yourself this: Does this person live as they tell you to?
How do they become “successful”?
First, they create an illusion, disguised as fame and success. They might hire supercars, mansions, and even jets to make videos and snap photos. With all that content, – they chase online clout that draws people’s attention. In the end, they use that fame to achieve their main goal. To sell you a slogan such as ” how to be successful”, “how to fly first class cheaply”, etc… In the end, they ask you either to sign up for an upcoming conference, or online webinar or even buy a book from their website etc. – so as to share these secrets….
Success isn’t an overnight thing. It’s a progressive journey. Either by working over a long period of time at a certain job – with savings, or selling products/services that target a certain niche – with decent profits realized in return. Trust The Process. No shortcuts!
Phishing Scams
Fake eCommerce emails such as an order confirmation or shipping by a popular online shopping website. This can also be in form of a phone call by people claiming to be sales representatives and company support, seeking to verify your details on an item or an account online.
A person may call or email you, claiming to be an Amazon or Samsung or any other popular eCommerce platform, might try and take advantage of you via this scam.
In the past, email was mostly used to scam people. But today, the scammers use robocalls ( pre-recorded messages sent to you via autodialer).
Alternatively, you may receive a text message with “a fake order” that seems legit at first.
Usually, it goes something like this:
An Order for a MacBook with tracking number xxxxxxxxxxx was made online under your name… The total billed amount is xxxxxx. If you didn’t authorize such purchases, click this link ….. to cancel and get a refund….
After clicking the link, you get redirected to a webpage that asks for your credentials (to confirm that you’re the rightful owner); unknowingly, you give out your credit card information, or street address, or bank account details etc. In the end, they gain access to your money or address etc.
Overpaid Utility Bills Scams – cash refund claims
Be vigilant of these. A scammer via robocall or email or text message sends you an alert that you overpaid your bill for a certain month. And they go on to inform you that you’re eligible for a refund, and maybe a discount – to make up for this.
Finally, they ask you to call a certain number to talk to the “customer care” for that specific utility provider. For example, electricity, or gas station, or even a telecom provider, etc.
When you call the number, the person on the other end engages you and they ask you to provide some of your personal details, such as bank account “to wire your refund”. This scenario gives them access to your Personal information and they use it to scam you.
How to avoid Online scams
- Never click any link from your email or text messages, If anything seems sketchy, be suspicious.
- Another action is: don’t give out your credentials (whether PIN, Bank Account Number, Credit/Debit Card Information or even your location address) to anyone, even if they say they are from the Official company support department.
- Should you receive a spam call from a number that you are suspicious of, don’t pick it. Don’t call a number you’re told to. Also, if you are asked to press a number on your phone to make a selection for whatever services or support they are offering – DON’T! Just Hang up the phone
- if you are unsure about a caller saying they are a representative of a given brand, simply visit that company’s official website and get the right contact details
- Any online job or even offline ones, do your due diligence. Take time and don’t be in a hurry. Find more about that company, how it works, where they are based at, etc. Don’t believe every testimonials and reviews posted in their favor, some are fabricated.
