Scams happen, and they happen to regular folks like you and me. Let's talk about scams in a way that's easy to understand, and I'll share a couple of stories with the emotions involved.
The "Too Good to Be True" Scheme
What's Going On: This scam promises big profits from investing. But those profits come from new investors, not real gains.
Example: Yexel Sebastian and Mikee Agustin lured folks in with the pledge of 3%-5% monthly payouts.
Red Flag: If they promise unbelievable profits every month.
Emotion Trigger: Greed – the desire for easy money.
How to Avoid: If someone promises you high returns with little or no risk, it's probably a scam. Do your research before investing, and only invest with reputable companies.
Online Job Tricks
What's Going On: These scams offer easy, high-paying jobs. But they want you to pay upfront or share your personal info.
Example: A lady paid an upfront fee for a high-paying job, but she never got any work.
Red Flag: When they ask for money before you've even started working.
Emotion Trigger: Hope – they make you dream of an effortless, high-paying job.
How to Avoid: Never pay upfront for a job, and research the company before you trust them.
The Easy Money Temptation
What's Going On: Scammers promise fast money with zero risk through investments.
Example: You might get a text saying you've won a prize, but first, you need to pay a fee.
Red Flag: Scammers asking for money right away.
Emotion Trigger: Greed, the desire for easy money.
How to Avoid: Don't hand over cash to anyone promising massive returns without a clear plan. Always research before investing.
Digital Wallet Call/Text Troubles
What's Going On: Scammers pretend to be Gcash and say your account is in trouble. They ask for your OTP (one-time password) to "help."
Example: Someone calls you, claiming your account is at risk, and they need your OTP to fix it. They can sound pretty convincing.
Red Flag: When they say something's wrong with your account and ask for your secret code (OTP).
Emotion Trigger: Fear – they want you to panic and follow their instructions.
How to Avoid: Remember that Banks won't call you for your OTP. If someone asks for it over the phone, hang up.
Task Scams: Too Good to Be True Earnings
What's Going On: These scams promise big money for easy online tasks, but they'll ask you to buy "tasks" to make more.
Example: You might get offered a job where you can make a fortune just by completing tasks, but you'll have to pay first or they will ask for your bank details.
Red Flag: Unrealistic earnings for minimal effort.
Emotion Trigger: Greed, the desire for easy money.
How to Avoid: Be careful of jobs that promise too much for too little.
Phishing Alert: Caution, Not Curiosity
What's Going On: Phishing scams use fake emails that look like they're from your bank. They'll ask you to click on a link and share sensitive info.
Example: You might get an email saying there's a problem with your bank account and a link to "verify" your details.
Red Flag: Emails that seem like they're from your bank with account issues.
Emotion Trigger: Fear - they want you to panic and click without thinking.
How to Avoid: Don't click on links from emails asking you to change your password. Instead, visit the official website directly.
The "Pautang" Scam: A Valuable Lesson
What's Going On: This scam plays on your empathy. Someone asks to borrow money due to a personal crisis and promises to pay back with high interest in a short time.
Red Flag: A friend tells you a sad story and asks for a loan, promising a quick payback with interest.
Red Flag: When someone shares a heart-wrenching story and needs to borrow money but promises super-fast repayment.
Emotion Trigger: Empathy is the key because you want to help.
How to Avoid: It's fine to help, but be mindful of people who might take advantage of your kindness.
Scammers are clever, but understanding the emotions they're playing with helps you stay safe. Whenever something sounds incredibly easy, especially if it's too good to be true, be cautious. In a world filled with opportunities, a little vigilance goes a long way.