Learn about Scams and Scam baiting. Learn the tricks and tips used by scammers to trap you and get your money.

John received a message on his social media from a stranger claiming to be a wealthy investor looking for people to invest in a new business opportunity. While the offer seemed tempting, John's gut feeling told him that something wasn't right.

Instead of immediately dismissing the message, John decided to employ a recipe for skillfully avoiding online scammers. He first researched the sender's profile and found that it was newly created with very little information and a suspicious number of followers. This raised a red flag for John.

Next, John decided to engage with the sender to gather more information. He asked specific questions about the investment opportunity, such as the company's name, location, and business model. The scammer provided vague and evasive answers, further confirming John's suspicions.

To further test the sender's legitimacy, John asked for a video call to discuss the opportunity in more detail. The scammer made excuses and tried to deflect the request, which solidified John's belief that this was indeed a scam.

With his suspicions confirmed, John skillfully avoided the scammer by politely declining the offer and blocking the sender. He also reported the account to the social media platform to alert them of potential fraudulent activity.

Scamming the public is nothing new. From used car salesmen to purchasing a piece of the Brooklyn Bridge, scammers have been taking advantage of the innocent, trusting public using their diabolical skills for deception and manipulation.

One key ingredient in avoiding online scammers is skepticism. When you receive an unsolicited email or message asking for personal information or money, Be cautious. Look for red flags such as spelling errors, generic greetings, or being pressured to act quickly.

Verify the sender's identity by checking their email address or contacting the company they claim to represent through official channels.

Do not click on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. By serving up a healthy dose of skepticism and awareness, you can skillfully navigate the digital landscape and protect yourself from falling victim to online scams.

Ingredients:

• · Kindness

• · Positivity

• · Courage

• · Guidance

Instructions:

Be kind: Treat others online the way you would like to be treated. Use positive words and encouragement when interacting with others on social media.

Think before you post: Before sharing anything online, consider if it could hurt someone's feelings or cause harm. If in doubt, don't post it.

Don't retaliate: If someone says something mean or hurtful to you, don't respond with more negativity. Instead, talk to a trusted adult about what happened.

Talk to your parents: Let your parents know if you encounter bullying on social media. They can help you navigate the situation and provide support.

Block and report: If someone is bullying you online, don't be afraid to block them and report their behavior to the platform's moderators. Your safety is the top priority.

Surround yourself with positivity: Follow accounts that share uplifting content and make you feel good about yourself. Surround yourself with friends who support and uplift you.

By following these steps and with the help of a parent or guardian, trusted adult, or friend, you can navigate social media safely and avoid online bullying.

Remember, your mental and emotional well-being is important, so don't hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.