Safety Nets: Spot & Stop Fraud, Scams, & Manipulation

  Quick Links Understanding Scarcity Bias Common Scarcity Bias Scam Tactics How to Overcome Scarcity Bias Scams Frequently Asked Questions Understanding Scarcity Bias Have you ever felt your chest tighten out of fear that a deal you cherish so much would expire in ten minutes? Did you ever panic because there was only one spot left for that job vacancy or apartment tenancy that you desperately desire? If you think the feeling is just a coincidence, you are wrong. Scammers understand it is more than that. They study this phenomenon and rely on it to manipulate people. It is called scarcity bias and represents the idea that things that are limited usually feel more valuable. When scammers combine this with fear, it often compels people to stop thinking and start reacting impulsively. This playbook is common in job scams, crypto scams, visa scams, fake online stores, romance scams, and even fake government grants. Though the story-lines may change, the pressure stays th...

Quick Links: Dissecting The Statement: What Resume Are We Talking About Identifying Clear Red Flags In The Scenario Credible Steps To Prevent Falling Into The Trap Frequently Asked Questions Dissecting The Statement: What Resume Are We Talking About Have you received a call or message telling you, "Hello. Your resume has been approved. Please chat me on WhatsApp." ? Let me guess, you are thinking, "I did not apply for anything" . If that's true, please understand that you are not alone in this encounter. This is one of the common scams going around town right now. It sounds harmless and  professional, but it is a trap. Alright, let's break it down together so you don't get caught in that web or fall for it. First things first, just as your natural instincts ought to prompt you, ask yourself this: " What resume?" Take a moment to think about it. Did you recently apply to fill a job vacancy? Did you send your CV to anybody or compan...

    Do you like being flattered? Whether you do or don't, this anonymous scam experience will educate your mindset. Quick Links: A Flattery Scam Experience Why Flattery Is Often A Win For Scammers 8 Safety Nets To Safe You Frequently Asked Questions A Flattery Scam Experience I used to love being praised but recently it landed me in trouble. It happened this way. I am a trader dealing in spare parts sales. People call me by a nickname I can't repeat here for security reasons but it's a hype name I carried along  from secondary school days. My fellow traders and almost everyone knows that calling me by that heady nickname is the easiest way to get a favour from me. I didn't know how dangerous that can be, until when some businessmen approached me with a deal. They somehow knew my nickname and mostly used it to address me. They were full of praises for my intelligence, told me they came to me because of my Fame as a smart and successful trader. They way they flattered me,...

  Quick Links: I Am Too Smart To Be Scammed Effects Of Feeling Too Smart To Be Scammed How To Protect Yourself Frequently Asked Questions I Am Too Smart To Be Scammed Are these your thoughts? "I am too smart to fall for scam"  It's exactly what scammers want you to think. The more you indulge in self-delusion the greater opportunity you give them to succeed in their plans against you. Let’s be honest about this. Perhaps you've said repeatedly that you are simply not  "the type that falls for scam."  Maybe you have managed to convince yourself that "Only gullible people get caught." Don't worry, I know exactly what angle you are coming from. You believe you’ve been careful all your  life. You read emails and you don’t click weird links. Besides, you have never been duped before. Can I burst your bubble? Here’s the hard truth: that kind of thinking is exactly what scammers are counting on to scapegoat you. As a matter of fact, what you are romanc...

    Quick Links: Understanding Guilt Tripping How It Is Done   Its Effects 7 Practical Steps To Escape Guilt-Tripping Frequently Asked Questions Understanding Guilt Tripping Have you ever been guilt-tripped? If true, then you know exactly how it feels. If not, you need to protect yourself through essential knowledge of what it is and how it runs. Irrespective of which side you belong, this Safety Nets: Spot & Stop Fraud, Scams, & Manipulation article will be an eye opener and remedies bundle for you. Guilt-tripping  is a manipulative tactic. It can sometimes be an innocent emotional expression from someone who feels hurt, disappointed, or aggrieved, but most often it is a deliberate and calculated act. It means when  somebody says things to force you to feel guilty, regretful, remorseful, ashamed, or obligated, in order to emotionally manipulate you to do what they want.  For example, rather than saying   “Please help me,”  they may s...

  Quick Links: What Is a Fake Authority Pressure Scam? Features of Fake Authority Pressure Scams How To Recognize and Identify Fake Authority Figures What You Should To Save Yourself Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Fake Authority Pressure Scam? Have you ever been at the receiving end of fake authority pressure scam? A distant friend once told me how he was forced to pay a "fee" to a guy in an "official-looking" outfit.   According to him, he was already set to go out on a sunny afternoon when he heard loud bangs on his apartment door.   When he opened it, he saw the  man in uniform standing outside his doorstep, wearing an aggressive expression and pointing a piece of paper at him. "Am from Sanitation office. You have to pay fine for this sanitation offence ticket, or we see in court meaning you pay higher or may even go to jail. The choice is yours." My friend was confused and perplexed all at once. He looked at the guy's uniform and, even though...