The scam business is doing well. Scammers are getting more innovative and more effective in ripping off people. There are many variations of scams. Chances are you will find yourself in a situation where you might get the opportunity to fall for one.
In my many years in radio, I have had the opportunity to look at all types of scams and have found that it is easy to protect yourself. So, arm yourself with the following tips:
1) If you are approached with a request for personal information, don’t give it.
If you get a call from ______ (insert any one of the following – fraud department of a credit card company, the police department, someone in charge of jury duty, prize notification department, the utility company, etc.) and they ask you for your information, don’t give it to them. This is how so many identities are stolen. Only provide information when YOU initiate a call or contact. That especially applies to e-mail. Always verify that you are talking to the right people.
2) If it is too good to be true, verify it because it usually is too good to be true.
Old wisdom never dies. There is an enormous amount of truth to this nugget of wisdom. For instance, do you think that someone wants to give you money for doing nothing? It is one of the best filters.
3) NEVER put up with pressure.
If someone is pressuring you to do something, don’t allow it. Legitimate transactions don’t require pressure.
4) Get a second opinion if you are not sure.
Seek the experience of someone you trust. Getting a second, third, or even fourth opinion never hurts. You want to have peace when you make decisions.
5) The most important, pray about all of your decisions
This should be a no-brainer. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to pick and choose. You can’t be 99% on this one. The problems start when we play a lone ranger. If it is the right decision, you will get peace about it. Never act without that peace.
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