Advancements in technology have provided better opportunities for millions worldwide, and QNET especially has managed to leverage these in our quest to build sustainable economies.
Unfortunately, while greater connectivity has helped empower so many, bodies like the Global Anti-Scam Alliance confirm that a lot of money is lost yearly to unscrupulous companies and individuals running online scams, with tricksters getting more creative by the day.
Thankfully, it’s entirely possible to protect ourselves and our hard-earned money. And it begins with being aware of the most prevalent scams and knowing how to avoid them.
Here are some of the most common online scams and what you can do to avoid them:
Phishing Scams
By far the most popular scam, phishing attacks usually take the form of text or email messages that are designed to obtain sensitive info from victims. A common trick is to tell victims that suspicious activity or log-in attempts have been noticed and that their personal details are needed to rectify the problem. The takeaway here is: when in doubt, always seek to verify what you’ve been told before divulging personal information.
Romance Scams
Yes, it’s certainly possible to connect with someone romantically via the Internet. However, it’s also possible to fall for scammers with fake profiles that paint themselves as lonely, good-looking people who are just waiting for the right person. The ploy here is to get you to lower your guard, and once the scammer has gained your love and affection, manipulate you into sending them money. This deceptive practice is known as “catfishing,” where individuals create fake personas to deceive others online. So, be cautious and consider everything before choosing to open your heart and wallet.
Investment Scams
Get-rich-quick “investment opportunities” are almost always scams. Hence, if someone’s trying to get you to put your savings in stocks, bonds, commodities, currency or real estate and promising high yields incredibly speedily, they’re most likely looking to rip you off. Also, be especially wary if you’re told that you ought to act quickly before everyone else tries to get in.
Tech Support Scams
Have you been hit with pop-up messages telling you that your computer needs fixing? Beware! Clicking on the links and, subsequently, downloading any recommended files or running scans can make your data vulnerable to fraudsters. Of course, tech devices do require maintenance from time to time, but if you’re really concerned, download legitimate software or get in touch with software and hardware service providers.
Malware Scams
Like Tech Support Scams, Malware Scams aim to con victims into clicking on seemingly legit and/or interesting links that then result in viruses, spyware, ransomware and other software getting downloaded onto computers and mobile devices. The rule here, thus, is never to open attachments and/or click on dubious links, always be wary of free downloads, and only visit legit and reliable websites.
Lottery Scams
Many of us dream of winning the lottery and striking it rich. But if you’ve never bought a lottery ticket, how is it that you were contacted about having scored a big money prize? Hence, be wary of such calls and messages, especially if you’re being asked to cough up a fee to secure your reward or told that an up-front payment would increase your chances of winning.
Ponzi Scams
Essentially a pyramid scheme, Ponzi Scams aim to help early investors (those at the top of the pyramid) benefit from the funds and profits collected from later investors. Of course, there’s no such thing as easy money. As such, if someone’s promising high returns but profiting at your expense, there’s something seriously wrong.
Work-From-Home Scams
The nature of work has changed, and particularly in the case of QNET’s direct selling business opportunity, which is legal and legitimate, one can choose when, where and how much to work. That being said, if you’re being asked to pay a fee to get an easy work-from-home job, it’s likely bogus. So, check to see if the company is a lawful entity with business premises, how much is known publicly about the so-called job offer, and what the testimonials are like.
Charity Scams
While there are many legit non-profits like RYTHM Foundation, which work to empower disenfranchised communities worldwide, there are also scores of thieves with ready sob stories designed to defraud. Be especially aware, thus, of calls and messages that claim to be following up on donation pledges, and research the so-called charities before reaching into your pocket.
Advance Fee Scams
If you’re being asked to make an advance payment to ensure the transfer of money, profits, commissions or goods, you’re very likely being targeted by scammers. Note that, like with Lottery Scams, real organisations don’t seek fees upfront to secure payments. So, say no to anyone who wants payment in return for a windfall and like with the other online scams listed above, be cautious, look and consider everything beforehand.
Remember, in every suspicious situation, there’s almost always more than meets the eye, and if things look too good to be true, it probably is!
New to QNET? It’s important to learn more about online scams and other tricks that may divert attention from legitimate businesses.
To safeguard yourself and your direct selling business from online scams and deceptive practices, make it a point to explore more about the industry and the company you’re representing. QNET offers essential resources like the QNET ID Toolkit, QNET Lexicon, and QNET Answers, which you can find here on QBuzz. Get to know about these and more features through this quick guide and by exploring the whole site.
Make sure you also attend trainings officially provided by QNET for free and download the QNET Mobile App for more tools to help you run and promote your business more effectively. Remember that by keeping yourself informed, you can also guide more people towards the right path and away from trouble such as these popular online scams.
