Scammers. How To Avoid Them.

Are people who are scammed stupid? The short answer is no.

It's essential to understand that falling for a scam is not solely a reflection of intelligence or lack thereof. Numerous factors contribute to why individuals may be susceptible to scams, including emotional manipulation, social pressures, and a lack of awareness about the tactics used by scammers.

First, it's crucial to recognize that scams are often meticulously designed to exploit specific vulnerabilities in human psychology. Scammers are skilled at creating a sense of urgency or fear, prompting individuals to act quickly without fully considering the consequences.

For instance, phishing emails may present themselves as urgent requests from a bank, leading individuals to provide sensitive information without taking the time to verify the source. This reaction is not indicative of stupidity but rather a natural human response to stress and urgency.

Education and awareness play huge roles in preventing scams. Many people may not have received adequate information about the various types of scams that exist or how to identify them. This lack of knowledge can leave individuals unprepared and more likely to fall prey to crooked schemes. Scammers often target specific demographics, such as the elderly or those unfamiliar with technology, exploiting their trustfulness or limited experience with digital communications.

Additionally, societal conditions can influence a person's likelihood of being scammed.

Economic hardships may drive individuals to seek quick financial solutions, making them more vulnerable to offers that seem too good to be true. In such situations, desperation can cloud judgment, leading to decisions that might otherwise seem irrational.

Basically, it's unfair to categorize individuals who have been scammed as stupid. Instead, it's vital to understand the complex situations and social factors that contribute to these situations. The tools to prevent being scammed begin with education.

The way to start in avoiding being scammed is knowing it can happen to anyone and can very easily happen to you. Scammers are today’s professional crooks. These are not amateur thieves. They are trained in many methods and use that same method day in and day out working for their bosses in a sometimes-violent organization under the threat of harm or even death. Some of these scammers are themselves are under threat and thereby become extremely good at their lies and promises.

With their technological abilities, they can quickly learn detailed information about their marks. Today, everyone should assume someone, somewhere knows everything about you. The trick is to be able to fly under the radar and go unnoticed. If you can hide in plain sight that's good. Is it disgusting we have to be suspicious of everyone? Yes

Here are some simple ways to start protecting yourself and your assets.

Cell Phone

1. Cell phones are tied to everything we do today. You can't change your cell number every time you become suspicious. It's not necessary.

   1. The quick and easy solution is do not reply to texts you do not know. Send them to voice mail or delete as spam. 99% of the time if it's spam or a scam, they will hang up before it goes to voice mail.

Do not answer phone calls from numbers you do not know. If it's important, they will go to voice mail and you can reply there. If you answer it accidently and do not know the person, hang up immediately. Do not give your name or answer one question. Hang up. Period. Will you always get these calls? Maybe. Probably. So what. Don't be a chatterbox. Motormouths on the phone with strangers are waist high in trouble they have created. Stay off the phone.

Banks

1. Anyone who is reading this article probably has a bank account and probably at least one credit card. Hopefully no more than two including your debit card. Banks have many protections including fraud activity and detection. Use them.

   1. Credit cards in particular have many protections. Debit cards do not have the same protection for your money. Debit cards should never be used as a credit card.

   2. Always review your monthly bank statements for any unauthorized transactions. They happen more frequently than you think. Some are by accident, some are not.

   3. Why use only one credit card? It's easier to control spending and also see what is happening. However, for those who have the funds, I understand using multiple cards for various companies and account control is necessary, not to mention using them for benefits and miles.

   4. Never share bank information with anyone including bank name.

   5. Keep all passwords locked

   6. If you have investment accounts, be sure they have a secure plan for fraud detection such as unusual activity or withdrawals.

   7. And feel comfortable talking with your bank about any concerns you have? They will be glad to answer any questions you have about fraud.

      
      

2. Solicited or unsolicited sales opportunities.

   1. This is the topic that is hard to understand why people are trapped by them. The trash can is directly in front of you. But solicitors know that just a 1% hit rate is excellent. We all want to shop for a deal. Be sure you know who it is and use the technology available today and search the internet for the company reviews. And last, have a family member to talk to in the decision process. Embarrassment is not asking questions, embarrassment is revealing that you are broke and it is too late to help.

   
   

That's the fact Jack!

Think about it and be sure to VOTE!

Jack Wilson

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