“You too belong to the richest five percent”, scammers are increasingly advertising on social media with such and similar slogans. Young people in particular quickly fall for such scams and are ‘swindled’. Once the money runs out, it’s almost impossible to get it back.
People falling for scams is not a new phenomenon. So-called pyramid or snowball systems have been around for a long time. However, social media takes the possibilities of this to a new dimension. The perpetrators are only partially convicted, because internet scams fall into the gray area.
Making money fraudulently
For example, on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook or via email, victims are recruited through videos with slogans such as: “This is the real school of life.” or “Come to our course, it doesn’t cost much. To participate for free, one has to invite friends. So the network keeps stretching. However, these workshops are mostly pointless, the participants are repeatedly asked to pay more.
Young people as a simple target group
Young people in particular are easy victims; they are fooled online into believing that the goal is to be beautiful, slim and rich. Most of them don’t know how to afford it. This makes them a particularly vulnerable group for online scammers. The tricks can be so convincing that young people even drop out of their education. Because of the skepticism of their circle of friends, they often withdraw from it.
Tips:
- Investigate thoroughly
- Share it with others
- Listen to your gut feeling
- Develop a healthy distrust
You don’t have to be a victim
Past scams are listed on the Watchlist website, which also provides information on the different types of internet scams. The Sparkasse Oberösterreich also wants to transfer knowledge in the long term, those involved can contact the bank and receive appropriate advice.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
