Cyber Scams
Learn and Share…
Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram are a world of many messages and invitations to connect to different types of people; including handsome men from the military, widows with kids and cute pets, celebrities, and sheiks from the middle east. These are profiles that I consistently decline to connect as they have no history.
However, this last profile of a Sheik in the middle east was a bit different, it had stories and posts and it actually had information on the internet that matched his story. It became intriguing so I decided to engage in texting, out of curiosity. Soon the texting from Instagram moved into WhatsApp; and what started as curiosity texting soon became an exploration of many topics.
All of us can be exposed directly or indirectly when interacting in this virtual world. In my case, I was presented with a story of a politician and a businessman who is a widow with two kids. The exchange of messages created a connection and interest. Soon he will travel to meet in person,after his office term ended.
As his government assignment was reaching an end, a big challenge arose. An investigation to review the appropriate use of public funds during his management was launched, causing his bank accounts to be frozen. He shared the struggle and urgency of the unexpected situation which led to request for financial assistance for basic needs, including to properly care for his kids. This fast became a stressful situation for me.
I have to admit that I considered helping. I was lucky that I shared what was happening and people warning me this may be a scam… It was a surreal feeling and illogical for sure. On one side my head was reading the warnings but my heart was moving to help. The psychological pressure to provide help intensified. When I finally said no, that caused communication to stop.
I found ways to confirm if this story was real. In addition to what I could find in internet, as a coincidence, one of my work colleagues had access to confirm that he is a government official, belongs to the ruling family of the country, however he was not a widow.
A few days after communication ceased, I received an impersonation video call which showed this was scam!!
As I share this story, many people have indicated also been impacted by this. Images and identities are being stolen systematically and used to romance and ask for money around the world.
Men and women out of embarrassment and fear of being shamed keep this quiet. Unawareness makes you and your loved ones more vulnerable. Some documentaries you may want watch: How Scammers Con People Out of Their Savings from ENVEVR Investigative Documentary; Meeting the Scammers breaking hearts and stealing billions online from Four Corners; and Cyber Scammers- 60 Minutes
This is a billionaire world-wide organized business crime of professional scammers. They utilize expert approaches to gain people’s trust and steal money. Protect yourself and your loved ones.