The desire to get easy money, inattentiveness, or poor financial illiteracy – scammers make money using these weaknesses. Now, fraudsters are increasingly active in the digital environment. However, many still operate in the old-fashioned way and use proven schemes, like financial pyramids and credit card fraud. If you do become a victim of a financial pyramid or scammer and lose some money, you can use the online loans app. It allows you to borrow at any time of the day without credit checks and hidden fees. So, how do you identify financial scammers and protect yourself from them? Here are some hints.
Financial Pyramids: Scammers’ First Tool
Financial pyramids are financial organizations whose primary purpose is to earn money as quickly as possible by deceiving the maximum number of people. To achieve this goal, the management promises participants a high income and actively promotes their company in the media. As a result, they involve more and more citizens in the scheme. The victims’ financial contribution covers the winnings of the first investors, and the pyramid creators present these winnings as proof that their company really brings income to people. Having recruited a sufficient number of participants, organizers disappear with all the funds, and most investors are left with nothing.
How to Recognize a Pyramid?
To avoid the web of scammers, you need to realize that financial pyramids exist and be able to recognize them. So, beware of the following signs:
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The interest rate on investments is higher than the market average. If you are offered a 20-30% profit, this may mean that either the investment is risky or it’s a scam.
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Aggressive advertising. Intrusive advertising campaigns are another sign that the company is critically interested in new clients, any and in the maximum quantity. Reputable companies do not strive for this. They always have a clear idea of their target audience.
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Exotic ways of investing. The more confusing and incomprehensible the investment method and the further away the investment object, the easier it is to hide that the project is doomed to failure.
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Matrix scheme. For those who joined the organization earlier, prices for goods inside the pyramid are lower and payments are higher. All this happens at the expense of new participants who pay more and often do not receive payments.
Bank Card: The Second Tool of Fraudsters
Bank card fraud is also a common method of cheating that has three main types:
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Common theft. This often happens just due to the cardholders’ carelessness who post their photos on social networks.
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Fraud via telephone or Internet. You may receive a call from a person who introduces themselves as a bank employee. On various pretexts, a fraudster will try to find out your card details to withdraw all funds from it.
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ATM fraud. Sometimes, criminals build special reading devices into ATMs to copy all the information about the inserted card. The only way to protect yourself from this type of fraud is to check ATMs carefully before using them.
So, here are the main takeaways. Do not use your card on unknown and unreliable sites and do not share any personal data with anyone. Alternatively, get a special virtual card and store a small amount of money on it. Be alert every time you get an investment offer that is too attractive. Follow our tips and stay safe.
