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Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 01:16 pm
It seems like no matter where you turn these days there seems to be a new scam going around. I think we are all aware of the usual phone scams, email scams or texting scams. Again I think we are all familiar with the lottery winner emails or the occasional IRS phone call scam. If you’d like to learn more you can visit the FTC and see some of the latest scam alerts.
The scams seem to run the gambit these days. I’ve noticed it more and more via social media. Be it a click ad or a sketchy friend or follower request. Or a befriending message from a social media Romeo. You can read more about that topic here. I’ve seen more and more people share their stories online or post the scammers account via social media posts.
I was scrolling through my Instagram feed recently and saw a fellow Instagram user’s post pleading for help because she had been scammed. I offered a few suggestions on what she could do in an effort to help. I don’t know if she was able to recover her lost funds but it made me wonder. Are we becoming too trusting? Or do people just seem to believe what they read?
Like the saying says if it’s too good to be true it probably is. I know everyone wants to make extra money or find love or what have you. But sometimes I think we don’t see the larger picture. Then again the scammers know how to earn a persons trust as well. I think we can all agree on that but we should also look into the info that is being shared. For instance, with the Instagram profiles, you can always do some research before agreeing to anything. This also goes for any social media site.
I think another thing that can be pointed out is if you have a feeling there’s something fishy don’t ignore it. I always like to stop to view profiles or requests just to see what the individual’s account looks like. Some I have blocked right away because they raise a red flag. It may be lacking in information or it just may seem odd to me in some way. I think we’ve all seen the profiles that look fake. Fake meaning they are a get rich quick post or some other advertisement that is sketchy.
Many people think wow this is a great deal or this person says they can help me out with X I’ll try it. But maybe we should pause to think then ask a few more questions to make sure things are legit. Even if it seems legit still do your homework. It’s always to be safe than sorry.
Feel free to share any of your scammer experiences in the comments below.
