“Hello, How are you doing today? Have you ever heard of bitcoin before?”
This is a common text message which floods Instagram and Facebook.
Most of us have received this kind of message on multiple occasions from various sources.
Some of us may easily spot a scammer, but what about those who cannot?
We should all know by now that nothing is free.
It is so unfortunate that even the things we think we are getting for free have strings attached.
Therefore, we should really be on the lookout for tricks by scammers, such as sending you a direct message, offering you ‘free’ money, or offering you an investment opportunity.
It initially sounds authentic, until they ask for personal details, one-time pins, or other sensitive information which may lead to you getting scammed out of your money.
The best way of avoiding this is to simply block such users right away.
Moreover, the unemployment rate in the country is skyrocketing.
Most unemployed individuals are desperately trying to make ends meet by latching onto any available fast money-making schemes, or even pyramid schemes.
The ideas are brilliant, and everyone wants to make money, but can we really trust any emerging pyramid scheme after so many of them have disappointed many individuals?
Not long ago, we had people crying out on social media about losing their money through such schemes.
Even if another pyramid scheme emerges, hundreds of people would still fall for it.
This is because we are not thoroughly informed of the damage these schemes could cause.
Stay away as far as you can, and remember: It always looks legit in the beginning.
Then there are fake job advertisements.
Swindlers are now using such adverts as bait for people, especially young people seeking employment.
They go as far as designing fake advertisements of legitimate companies, and later ask for non-refundable fees before interviews.
Take note of email addresses with a Google domain (@gmail.com), which are often used by fraudsters to trick their targets.
Complex companies would not use emails with such a domain, or with cellphone numbers as contact numbers.
Let’s try to stay away from fast money-making schemes and refrain from having extended communication with suspicious social media users.
Avoid providing your cellphone number when asked to comment with it in exchange for an employment opportunity or ‘free money’.
Nothing is free.
Medusalem Jairus, Selma Hamhola
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