It is no longer news that scams are real’ and scammers exist’; they are humans like us, and they appear to be everywhere.
In the early 2000s, the term “Yahoo” was localized in Nigeria as the name for “internet fraud.” While the internet has made it easier for humans to connect, the ease has brought with it new challenges.
The internet provides many benefits, but unfortunately, internet fraudsters devise clever schemes to defraud millions of people every day.
Online fraud and scams go by many different names, including yahoo-yahoo, cybercrime, internet fraud, online crime, and e-crime.
Here are some interesting facts about online scammers:
1. They are very patient, waiting for the right moment to strike.
2. Older women are usually the main target’ for con artists.
3. Scammers are usually too quick to try to convince you of their identity, backed up by phony ‘proof.’
4. In Nigeria, scammers known as ‘Yahoo boys’ use voodoo or traditional powers known as ‘Yahoo Plus’ or ‘Yahoo Plus Plus’.
5. The most common type of ‘Yahoo Plus’ or ‘Yahoo Plus Plus’ is ‘do as I say,’ which means you’ll be manipulated into giving in to their demands, and only come to your senses after you’ve been defrauded to realize the errors.
6. Everyone is a potential target for scammers and they are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money.
7. Examples of the scam used by internet fraudsters are; Job offer scams, lottery scams, beneficiary scams, online dating scams, charity fraud scams,
investment scam etc.
So to avoid being scammed by these fraudsters via the aforementioned means above, here are a few tips to eliminate the risk:
1. Spot/detect imposter – Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust; a family member or a company you do business with.
Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request.
2. Be ‘red alert’ to the fact that scams exist – When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it’s over the phone/mail/social
networking site, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam.
3. Know who you’re dealing with – If you’ve only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a business, take some time to do a bit more research. If a message or email comes from a friend and it seems unusual or out of character for them, contact your friend directly.
4. Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows, or click on links – Be careful not to click on spam links which could lead to compromising
your personal details.
5. Keep your personal details secure – It is
necessary to advise that you keep your passwords and pin numbers secured. Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social media sites.
6. Review your privacy settings on social media – If you use social networking sites, such as Facebook, be careful who you connect with, and learn how to use your privacy and security settings to ensure you stay safe.
7. Be extremely cautious when dealing with anyone you’ve met online – Scammers use dating websites, social media, and many other sites to reach potential targets. They can quickly feel like a friend or even a romantic partner, but that is part of the tactics to get you to trust them.
8. Don’t be pressured to act immediately –
Scammers typically try to make you think there’s a limited-time offer. They want to push you into action before you have time to think, it’s never a good idea to make an important decision quickly.
9. Fake social media profiles – Some scammers create fake profiles and send you friend requests or messages. If you respond, they then send you offers to make quick money or invest, or ask for money to help them with the trouble they are having. They could also gain access to your personal information and steal your identity.
10. Text Message To Update Your Bank Verification Number
– If you get a text message on your cell phone from your bank saying “There’s been a problem with your bank verification number (BVN), and you need to call right away with some account information”, the truth is your supposed “bank” is a scammer hoping you will reveal your account information.
Category: Other scams
Source: Facebook
