What is a scam? Wikipedia defines a scam as:
A confidence trick or confidence game (also known as a bunko, con, flim flam, gaffle, grift, hustle, scam, scheme, swindle or bamboozle) is an attempt to defraud a person or group by gaining their confidence.
Scams appear to us in many forms and there are varying degrees of scamming. But the goal of the scammer is always constant. To gain your confidence so you will pay them for their product or service.
Misleading:
One such scam is buying something that is not what you expected. For example, a document that is supposed to show you how to make money typing online. Then you realize it has nothing to do with typing, but everything to do with posting ads all over the Internet to earn referral commissions.
Embellishment:
Other scammers use the “anybody can get rich” tactic, and providing stories about how people have become rich in a short time by joining their program. They make it seem like it is easy to do and anybody can learn it. You have seen this kind of scam on Television infomercials.
Training Material
Too many scammers out there prepare training material, Ebooks, and cd’s full of information that is already free on the Internet.
Little or No Work
It is always appealing to work just a few hours a week to achieve your riches. Nobody becomes rich without hard work and determination.
The lucky ones win lotto. Don’t be fooled into thinking you will not have to work extremely hard to be successful.
Sympathy
Don’t forget the scams that request money from you because a member of their family is in trouble or sick. These usually start with “Hello I am Barrister Williams from Nigeria, great grandson of the late Henry Williams and I really could use your help…..please send money…..
These kinds of scams usually come in the email and will request money from you via Western Union.
Sense of urgency
Quite often you realize you have been scammed seconds or minutes after the deal is made. Once they have you, the sense of urgency vacates. Don’t be to hasty.
Why do we fall for these scams?
We are all curious and the idea of becoming rich is very appealing to us, especially if we do not have to work too hard at it. Scams investments are usually not too expensive at first so it makes it even more appealing. Paying $20 or $30 for an book, or a cd to help me get rich? Why not.
Don’t be hooked into trying these get rich scams, they don’t work for most people. People can become addicted to trying something new every day, a scam a day if you will. It is exciting at first, but then a big let down at first. So…
1. Expect to work hard.
2. Research your next endeavor.
3. Pick something you are passionate about.
4. Think before you act.
5. Learn from other peoples mistakes.
6. Stick to one thing.
7. Consider the source.
