The Scam Charade

“There are so many scams on the internet now a days.

Send me $19.95 and I will tell you how to avoid them.” Unknown

I’ve been dealing with scam calls, scam dating invites and yesterday it came in the form of a message supposedly from my bank about a problem. The problem was it wasn’t even my bank! I deleted the message.

It seems to be a thriving business this scam thing and they are getting cleverer by the minute. Messages asking for money comes in the form of sorry stories such as they are somewhere and can’t access their money or someone close to them is very sick and they need cash urgently. One message took the cake. He claimed his daughter had been on vacation in Africa when she was captured by a tribe and held captive there. The release would require a certain amount of money.

The only thing these losers want is to make you part with your hard-earned money and unfortunately they are finding better and better ways of doing it and that is the scary part!

SIGNS OF A ROMANCE SCAMMER

Professes love quickly. Claims to be from the U.S., but is overseas for business or military service.

Asks for money, and lures you off the dating site.

Claims to need money – for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel.

Plans to visit, but can’t because of an emergency.

There are many varieties of scammers. Last week, I received a call about my book. The caller offered me a slot on a radio show or was it on TV, anyway it would take place in the form of an interview with a celebrity host plugging my book. The catch, payment was required! A few days later, a very sweet voice (they usually are) on the other end offered a film deal! When I asked for which book, she stammered and quickly turned the conversation to how great it would be to see my book on screen. Of course it would be, however, scammers beware, I’ve got your number and here’s my message to you.

By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you….blocked and deleted.

You may now……

…….kiss my a**. (Unknown)

Here’s another message, get a JOB!