How to Spot a Scam

Posted on by Forest in General

How to Spot a Scam – We can all get tied up in offers that just seem so amazing that we can’t pass it off. Some offers just seem to be too good to be true but you need to stop if that happens and realise that it probably is too good to be true. Sadly there are a lot of scams out there just waiting for willing people to step into. Learning to think before leaping into something and recognizing the signs of a scam will help you avoid getting caught up in one.

How to Spot a Scam

Scams have expanded with technology and are waiting in many different guises. The old style scam-artist contractor is still alive and well but you can get scammed online, over the phone and all over. Luckily for us most scams, no matter how they are hosted, follow a similar kind of style that once aware you can likely avoid most scam situations.

So lets take a look at some tips to help us be aware and get a good feel for spotting and avoiding a scam.

If someone is amazingly smooth, charismatic and charming, be careful!

People who can really win you over and are offering something that seems amazing may be trying to win you over and charm your socks off for their own good. People can be really great and everything but if it seems a little too much and you are just not 100% then take a step back and be wary. If they smile too much, stare at you in the eyes and use your name over and over then it may not be sincere.

Things that are simply too good to be true

As I mentioned in the intro one of the biggest hints of a scam is when something is just too good to be true! Is the offer, deal, scenario or whatever is just so so amazing then it probably isn’t! I can’t stress that enough, not to be a Debbie Downer but just be careful.

Pressure to agree

If you are being pressured with time-sensitive offers or being told you only have this chance then it may well be a scam. Any decent situation won’t really be time-sensitive and you should never allow yourself to get run away with the belief that you have to act that moment.

No proof or references

Is something doesn’t have proof or credible testimonies / references then it may not be trustworthy. Ask for credible proof at all times.

Un-needed personal info being required

If you are being pushed for all sorts of info about yourself and you feel it isn’t needed they could be phishing for identity theft. Don’t give over any detail that you do not feel is required.

Just learn to be vigilant and ask yourself honestly in every situation. You may feel you are being a little suspicious but it pays to be in this world of scams and cons. Obviously don’t let it ruin your life but be careful.

Do you have tips or stories to share?