Do you know why in English we use the expression with artist to define a scam genius? Because the word con derives from confidence, "trust". Indeed, scammers know how to earn the trust of their victims and, before they know it, they will have stolen their life savings and gone at lightning speed. Since scam geniuses are very good at establishing empathic relationships, how to recognize one before falling into its trap? Here are some guidelines and examples of common scams to learn how to unmask them.
Steps
Step 1. If someone approaches you and knows your name, ask them how they know
Can't give you a valid answer? He probably found it on a phone book or got it from another of his current victims.
Step 2. Put everything in black and white
Scam geniuses don't like to leave any written documents, and may use the excuse that they don't have time to do so.
Step 3. Tell them that you want to speak to your lawyer, financial advisor or accountant first
Faced with this request, the scam geniuses react badly and say they don't have time, otherwise they can ask for your contact details, but they will never be heard again.
Step 4. Request references
Tell him that you would like to speak to several people who have already transacted with him and who have achieved results. Explain that you want certainties. Once she has given you names, search your phone book or the internet to make sure they exist and contact them. Don't accept references you can't verify.
Step 5. Ignore him if he insists that you act immediately
A scam genius will try to get you to do something right away, telling you that otherwise you will miss out on a once in a lifetime opportunity. In any case, if a good deal the next day is no longer good, it is not worth taking the risk.
Step 6. Check if this person has been reported
- There are several anti-fraud forums on the internet, where you can find lists of scammers and stories.
- If in doubt, call the police.
Step 7. Watch out for alarm bells
If you've already started a transaction with someone, keep an eye out for the following warning signs:
- Secrecy: Does it ask you not to tell anyone?
- He just asks for cash. Many (but not all) scam geniuses don't want to be paid with checks, because they will leave traces behind them.
- It promises you winnings that will come soon. This scam genius will keep you in suspense as he continues to steal money from you, making vain promises. Denying that you have been duped will only lead you to postpone the moment when you admit that you have been the victim of a scammer, but it is not the most sensible way to act. Don't be afraid to accept the fraud, otherwise you will make the situation worse.
- The procrastination turns into intimidation. When your patience begins to falter and you begin to question this person's credibility, you may end up being treated as if you are a traitor, perhaps even a fool. He could try the path of abuse, so as to leave you on the rope until he can escape with the money (example: "You are at least as responsible as I am").
Step 8. Know your weaknesses
Here are the characteristics and situations that scam genes often take advantage of:
- Loneliness.
- Want to help others.
- Financial despair (a person who is heavily in debt or whose business has economic problems).
- Unhappiness about one's life and a tendency to seek a quick solution to everything.
- Falling in love (If someone you are dating recently wants to share everything with you, but you have no concrete evidence of what they would really offer you, think twice before doing so. Ask your family and various professionals for advice.)
Method 1 of 1: Common Scams
- Home improvement: repairs or renovations you don't need.
- Bank: maybe you will receive a visit from a fake bank inspector; the scammer asks the victim (usually a widow over the years) to test the honesty of the bank employees by withdrawing a substantial sum of money, which is given to the scam genius so that he can "examine" it. The victim is given a fake receipt, and the scammer disappears with the money.
- Investment: Franchises, food or beverage vending machines, land, theft of inventions, long-term bonds, work from home.
- Postal fraud: chain letters, magazine subscriptions, materials never ordered, correspondence courses.
- Other: flirtatious products, charity fundraisers, online dating, debt consolidation, contracts, dance classes, coupons to buy food, fake psychics, visionaries, wellness clubs, job placement, lonely hearts, medical fraud, lost heirs, referenced sales, talent scouts, pyramid marketing, fake officials.
