Selma Hamhola
Medusalem Jairus
“Hello, how are you doing today? Have you ever heard of Bitcoin before?”, this is one of the most common text messages that have been flooding our Instagram and Facebook direct message sections lately. Most of us if not all, have received them on multiple occasions from different users.
Well, we know some of us may easily spot a scammer, but how about those who cannot? How about those who easily fall for everything that involves getting quick money or free money? And most importantly, how about those who are not literate enough? To answer these questions, this piece highlights some of the common tactics used by swindlers and how we can possibly avoid such deceitful trickeries.
One thing we should all know by now is that, the statement “nothing is for free” shouldn’t be undermined by any means. It is so unfortunate that even the mere things that we think we get for free have strings attached to them, one way or another. Hence, we should really be on the lookout for tricks by scammers, such as sending you a direct message about them offering you free money, purchasing your Instagram account or offering you an investment opportunity.
It all starts sound, smooth and authentic to a point where you are asked to give your personal details, send back One Time Pins (OTP) or any other sensitive information that may lead to you getting scammed of your money. Thus, the better way of avoiding such incidences is to simply block such users right away and not to entertain them any further.
Moreover, we fully understand that the unemployment rate in the country is skyrocketing. Most unemployed individuals are desperately trying to make ends meet by salvaging on any available fast money-making schemes, occasionally known as pyramid schemes. The ideas are brilliant, everyone wants to make money, but can we really trust any emerging pyramid schemes, after so many of them have already disappointed a lot of individuals?
Not long ago, we had people crying out on social media about them losing their money to such schemes. Even if another scheme of such kind emerges next year or even sooner, trust us we would still have hundreds of people falling for it. This is because we are not thoroughly informed on the damage these pyramid schemes can do. Stay away as possible as you can, remember it always looks legit in the beginning.
Another point pertaining the desperation for employment prospects and fraudulent activities is fake job adverts. Swindlers are now using such adverts as bait, for people especially the youth that are seeking for employment. They go as far as designing fake adverts of legit companies and later ask for non-refundable fees before interviews or use any other possible way to salvage money from the applicants.
Take note of email addresses with a “Google” domain (@gmail.com) used by imposers to trick their targets. Complex companies like; B2Gold, Namib Breweries, Bank Windhoek and others would not use emails with such a domain or mobile phone numbers as their contact details.
All in all, let’s try to stay away from fast money-making schemes and refrain from having extended communications in our direct message sections with suspicious social media users. Avoid giving out your mobile phone numbers when asked to comment with it in exchange for an employment opportunity or free money. “Nothing is for free” shouldn’t be taken for granted at all.
* jairusmedusalem@gmail.com
* Medusalem Jairus is a BSc (Hons) degree holder in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. The opinions expressed herein are entirely his own.
* Selma Hamhola holds a Diploma in Lower Primary Education and is currently a nursing student.